"For the past seven years, Alberta's government has recognized September as Recovery Month, which serves as a reminder to everyone living in Alberta that no matter what mental health or addiction challenges they face, recovery is possible.

"Alberta's government has made significant progress in building a comprehensive, recovery-oriented system of care through the Alberta Recovery Model - a first-of-its-kind approach focussed on ensuring people have access to evidence-based services and supports that help them pursue recovery.

"Since 2019, we've added more than 10,000 publicly funded addiction treatment spaces, eliminated user fees for live-in treatment and expanded access to the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, which provides same-day access to addiction medicine treatment.

"Last September, our government established Recovery Alberta, a dedicated provincial health agency focused solely on mental health, addiction and correctional health services. Building on this important work, we also launched the Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence to empower decision makers with data and evidence to better support those with mental health or addiction challenges.

"In August, we opened Alberta's fourth recovery community located in Calgary and are continuing to work towards our goal of building a total of 11 recovery communities across the province, including five in partnership with Indigenous communities. Once complete, these facilities will provide free, long-term, holistic treatment to more than 2,000 Albertans annually.

"We are also expanding access to mental health supports, including through our partnership with Counselling Alberta, to provide affordable counselling options across the province. Early intervention is key and that is why we will continue to prioritize mental health supports for children and youth and increase access to school-based supports.

"We're proud of the momentum underway and the partnerships we are building across the province. As we expand access to treatment and recovery services, our province is being recognized as a leader in compassionate, evidence-based care.

"If you or someone you care about is facing addiction or mental health challenges, help is available by calling Alberta 211. You are not alone; recovery is possible."