The Alberta Mental Health Board (AMHB) website is a critical communication tool in the AMHB’s mission and mandate of advancing mental health through advocacy and support; research; service and policy framework; and evaluation. It is intended to be a comprehensive and credible source of mental health information and a resource among key stakeholders which includes, but is not limited to, health care providers, health regions, employers and employees in the workplace, universities, research organizations and the educational community at the elementary and secondary levels.
The website is also designed to profile core leadership areas and initiatives of the AMHB, including a strong academic, and research oriented focus to attract and engage the provincial, national and international mental health research community. The Alberta Mental Health Research Partnership Program will include an online, community-based resource designed for researchers and those organizations which boast major research programs and initiatives. This enables partners to connect with other academic and research organizations, publish major research initiatives and papers, receive timely and vital information in various areas of expertise, and share and exchange knowledge, ideas and invaluable resources.
To ensure media obtain expert responses on mental health information and issues, a Media Centre will also be developed. Currently, this section identifies key media spokespersons of the AMHB; however, in the near future, a set of guidelines to assist media personnel with reporting about mental health issues and addressing sensitive topics will be included in the Centre.
Finally, this website serves as a tool that reinforces AMHB’s accountability – that is, its ongoing commitment to its governing bodies, key partners, supporters and donors, advisors and vast and varied audience.
Through the wealth and depth of information and resources presented in this website, a common theme emerges: the dedication by the AMHB and its partners to bring mental health to the forefront of the healthcare arena. Advancing mental health means that a better quality of life can be enjoyed by all Albertans – and that our families and communities will thrive.