The Project

In 2018, TUF was the catalyst for, established, and funded the year-long Airdrie Mental Health Task Force (MHTF) to plan an improved approach to managing mental health in the community. The MHTF produced recommendations that have a meaningful and positive impact on the mental health and well-being of Airdrie residents.

The task force was comprised of 19 key community stakeholders including membership from AHS, Airdrie and Area Health Cooperative, RCMP, Rocky View Schools, Children Services, Airdrie and District Victim Assistance Society, Airdrie’s Mayor Peter Brown, an Airdrie-based family physician, an Airdrie psychiatrist, David Swann (past MLA and mental health advocate) and a few community members with lived and living experience. The task force members surveyed 545 adults and 178 youth, facilitated focus groups, and solicited input from other organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, PolicyWise, and Alberta Health. The team also reviewed mental health best practices, with extensive research coordinated through a University of Calgary librarian.

TUF’s pilot projects continue to be informed by the survey results and seven key recommendations outlined in the MHTF report.