2021 Impact Report

Mental Health

A commitment to mental health

The need for an integrated mental health network

All in, the economic burden of mental illness in Canada is an estimated $51 billion per year including health care costs, lost productivity and reductions in health-related quality of life.

Focus on wellness:

Partnership with community agencies and mental health experts to ensure the right care at the right time at the right place.

Focus on research:

Over $2.5M in funding committed to research that enhances our understanding of key challenges in mental wellbeing, reduces stigma in care and creates better support systems for vulnerable citizens.

Focus on CARE:

Enhancing critical care access with a trauma informed approach to space design and care in hospital emergency departments and short-term stay units. Establishing a better model for transition support from critical care environments to community-based services, closing the gaps for continuous care.

The Human Cost

People with mood disorders are at much higher risk of developing a long-term medical condition.

People with mental illness are two times more likely to have a substance use problem versus the general population.

People with mental illness and addiction are more likely to die prematurely versus the general population.

Source: camh (The Mental Health Crisis Is Real | CAMH)

The growing need for mental health services

EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS DUE TO MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION CONCERNS

Source: Alberta Health Services

Research investments enhancing our approach to mental health support

Dr. Monty Gosh

PROJECT:

Improving Calgary's methamphetamine intoxication management in emergency departments. A quality improvement and implementation study.

Dr. Dallas Seitz

PROJECT:

PREcision care with information, science and experience: integrating data on homelessness and police service to better inform care.

Dr. Jacqueline Smith

PROJECT:

A holistic approach to exploring mental health stigma in emergency settings.

Change Can't Wait

PROJECT:

Testing new initiatives in mental health and addiction through a fast pilot process. This is part of the City of Calgary's Community Investment Table and in partnership with Calgary Health Foundation, Calgary Foundation, Hunter Family Foundation, United Way of Calgary and Area and Viewpoint Foundation.

Stories of Impact

Your support of Calgary Health Foundation has funded breakthroughs that are transforming lives. See how!

STORY

COVID-19 Care

A team of champions: Dean’s unexpected battle with COVID-19

STORY

Enhancing Wellness in the Community

New experiences enhance quality of life: Virtual Reality provides both recreation and cognitive therapy

STORY

Advancing Critical Research

From HELLP to hope: Maternal clinical research that is saving lives

INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Maternal & Newborn Health

Newborns Need and women's health investments are advancing care for the whole family

INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Mental Health

Ensuring the right care at the right time as demand for mental health and addiction resources is increasing

INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Lotteries

A win-win for Albertans and Calgary hospitals