Albertans, especially those in rural and remote communities, deserve access to timely, effective, comprehensive health care when and where they need it. Ensuring access to comprehensive care also means providing vital, wraparound support services that address the emotional and mental well-being of individuals and families facing serious health challenges, such as those affected by cancer.
To ensure all Albertans have access to services that complement cancer care, Alberta’s government is investing approximately $1.5 million over 15 months to support Wellspring Alberta in delivering essential care for cancer patients and caregivers.
As a community-based organization that provides emotional and mental support for Albertans affected by cancer, this funding will ensure Wellspring can continue delivering its programs and explore expanding its offerings, which are focused primarily in rural and remote areas. These programs include counselling services and peer support, helping patients cope with physical and cognitive challenges that result from cancer treatments, and connecting family caregivers with trained volunteers who have shared experiences in caring for loved ones with cancer.
“Cancer affects many lives across the province, and this funding will help ensure Albertans have the support they need as they navigate their cancer journey. By collaborating with health partners, we are taking concrete steps to build a more sustainable and equitable health system for Albertans.”
The funding is designed to align with ongoing health care system refocusing initiatives. Wellspring Alberta has demonstrated its ability to leverage virtual platforms and in-person programming to serve patients across the province, ensuring cancer patients and caregivers in rural areas can access services without needing to travel long distances. This approach helps alleviate pressure on the acute care system while enhancing patient outcomes and reducing the need for hospitalization.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Government of Alberta for this vital investment in the well-being of Albertans living with cancer. This funding will allow Wellspring Alberta to expand and sustain our programs in rural and remote communities and ensure rural families can navigate their cancer journey with a community who gets it.”
Alberta’s government is committed to evaluating the impact of this funding and is working closely with Wellspring Alberta to ensure programs are delivering measurable benefits to patients. By providing cancer patients and caregivers with the support they need, this initiative aims to improve mental health, reduce emergency room visits and decrease hospitalization frequency, ultimately leading to better overall health outcomes and more efficient use of health system resources.
“Wellspring Alberta is a valued community partner offering accessible programming for people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. We are very thankful for this investment that will allow Wellspring to expand its programming to support patients living with cancer in rural and remote areas, and their families. It will make a difference in so many lives.”
Quick facts
- Wellspring Alberta offers more than 70 programs that are available online and over the phone across the province, at centres in Calgary and Edmonton, and at select community hubs throughout Alberta.
- The organization works closely with Alberta Health Services and Cancer Care Alberta to deliver supportive care programming to patients and caregivers that complements the services provided by the public health system.