At their Oct. 19 regular meeting, Airdrie City council ratified a letter in support of the Thumbs Up Foundation’s application for the BILD Grant to fund a community meeting room for the charity’s Harmonized Health project.
"The City of Airdrie is committed to helping Airdrie become Alberta’s healthiest city and is aware of the significant impact mental health can have," said a portion of the letter attributed to Mayor Peter Brown. "It has become clear that effective treatment of mental health can improve overall health and may even reduce health care costs."
Harmonized Health is a pilot project that will provide support for individuals and families that need assistance for care related to mental health and addiction. The outcomes will be recorded, measured and evaluated by a professional team, with the intention of publishing a report on the project’s effectiveness.
According to Brown's letter of support, the foundation was able to receive government funding for the pilot project, which is now underway. However, they were unable to receive funding for the required meeting room and are looking to secure an office space of between 750 and 1,200 square feet in downtown Airdrie. The space would be used to host therapy sessions, community peer support programming and public information sessions.
Purple illumination
Council also unanimously voted in favour of proclaiming November as Family Violence Prevention Month. On Nov. 2 at 5 p.m., Airdrie City hall will be illuminated in purple lights.
The annual proclamation request from the Airdrie Domestic Violence Coalition and the ensuing illumination of City hall are intended to raise awareness of family violence and support those impacted by domestic abuse.
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19