Saskatchewan Expands Mental Health Support in Schools
In a significant move to strengthen mental health support for students, five more schools in Saskatchewan have been added to the Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) in Schools program. The program aims to enhance mental health promotion, early detection, and intervention within educational settings.
The announcement was made in Moose Jaw by Premier Scott Moe, Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod, Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill, and representatives from Prairie South School Division. The five schools selected for inclusion in the program are Peacock Collegiate in Moose Jaw, Lloydminster Composite High School in Lloydminster, Carpenter High School in Meadow Lake, St. Alphonsus School in Yorkton, and Balfour Collegiate in Regina.
The MHCB program emphasizes prevention and awareness, helping young people develop coping mechanisms and identify resources for support. This expansion brings the total number of schools taking part in the program to 15, with the government investing an additional $1 million for its implementation.
The existing 10 schools in the program include Churchill Community High School in La Ronge, Prince Albert Collegiate Institute in Prince Albert, St. John Community School in Prince Albert, Weyburn Comprehensive High School in Weyburn, Dr. Brass School in Yorkton, Dr. Martin LeBoldus Catholic High School in Regina, Hector Thiboutot School in Sandy Bay, North Battleford Comprehensive High School, John Paul II Collegiate in North Battleford, and Greenall High School in Balgonie.
This expansion is part of the Saskatchewan government’s broader commitment to mental health and addiction services, with $574 million being invested in these areas in 2024-25. The MHCB program is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the government, the Ministry of Education, and school divisions to integrate mental health into education and ensure students receive the emotional and social support they need to thrive.
