August 16, 2024
JASPER — As residents of Jasper prepare for re-entry, we know returning to the community will be a challenging and emotional time. Alberta Health Services (AHS) has resources and services available to help residents and their loved ones cope with mental health needs and stress during this difficult time.
Everyone deals with stress differently and traumatic events can have a big impact. It’s important to remember, it is okay to ask for help. Addiction and Mental Health services will be present in the community throughout the re-entry process.
When residents begin to return to Jasper today, Addiction and Mental Health staff will be available at the Re-Entry Centre for those seeking support. Staffing has been enhanced and services may be adapted or modified in order to meet the community’s unique needs.
The Addiction and Mental Health Community Clinic at the Seton-Jasper Healthcare Centre will resume operations on Monday, August 19. This includes Addiction and Mental Health walk-in clinic offerings on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning next week. The Addiction and Mental Health Community Clinic will have the ability to offer extended hours as needed.
The Seton-Jasper Healthcare Centre emergency department is also open and available to support those in crisis.
Addiction and Mental Health supports will remain in place at wildfire reception centres in Hinton, Grande Prairie, Edmonton and Calgary through the weekend and afterwards as required. Staff also continue to be available to assist with the mental health needs of first responders fighting fires in the Jasper area.
Virtual and online services are also available – for mental health support services near you, call or text INFO to 211 or visit ab.211.ca. 211 is available 24/7 and has phone services in more than 170 languages. 211 can also provide a warm hand-off to affordable, no-wait counselling through Counselling Alberta (1-833-827-4230 or counsellingalberta.com). Wildfire evacuees can access counselling free of charge.
We know that wildfires can have a negative impact on the mental and physical health of those affected. This may not be evident right away and it might last for several months or even years. We understand that people’s needs will be diverse and will change over time.
AHS is working with the community of Jasper to develop and implement a Wellness and Recovery Plan to provide strategic supports to the community in the coming months and beyond. A long-term plan is also being developed to provide additional resources for local children and youth.
The Municipality of Jasper has shared a listing of all mental health services available at Municipality of Jasper - Mental Health Resources.
For help during an emergency, please call 911. Additional information about Addiction and Mental Health supports are available on our Help in Tough Times webpage. AHS also provides wildfire resources for Albertans at AHS.ca/wildfire, including mental health, air quality, and emergency planning links.
The Indigenous Support Line is also available for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, to answer questions and help support culturally appropriate care. The Indigenous Support Line can be reached at 1-844-944-4744 from noon to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
