Buillding resilience through Community-Led Recovery in Jasper
Banff Canmore Foundation (BCF) has released its latest Vital Signs Report on Mental Health and Wellbeing revealing that the nationwide mental health crisis is impacting the Bow Valley despite our community's reputation as an idyllic destination for healthy living.
The report sheds light on residents' significant challenges while emphasizing the importance of community-based solutions that foster resilience and support within our unique mountain communities.
The Banff Canmore Foundation explores the paradox of paradise in the Bow Valley. Lori Byne, Chair of Mental Health and Addiction Week and a member of the advisory group that contributed to the report, highlights that while people are attracted to the region's stunning landscapes and resort communities in search of a better life or an escape from their troubles, these underlying issues often remain unresolved. She states, "You can run, but you can't hide from your stresses." This breathtaking area, celebrated for its beauty and reputation for healing, often overshadows the mental health struggles faced by its residents. The report coalesces data, insights, and personal experiences across the Bow Valley, uncovering the intricate relationships between community, connection, and care.
The report describes the unique features of this crisis within our region, where for every hundred people in the valley, 16 are experiencing mental illness, 6 have substance use disorders, and another 5 are experiencing both. The findings illuminate the impact of differences in language and cultural norms, the challenges facing Bow Valley youth, and how income disparity plays a role where lower-income groups are three to four times more likely to report poor to fair mental health compared to their wealthier counterparts.
The findings from the report emphasize the specific factors influencing mental health and wellbeing in our region. Our rural location and reliance on a seasonal workforce in a service economy create unique stressors that significantly affect access to care. Many work schedules may misalign with provider office or clinic hours, and health benefits often vary by employer and role. Transportation challenges persist, as many seasonal workers lack personal vehicles, and transit routes and schedules are limited, making taxi services cost-prohibitive for some.
BCF is drawing on the report’s findings to shape a new 3-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants Program to support a web of local, grassroots initiatives making a positive difference in this space. The program will begin accepting expressions of interest in winter 2025. This grant program will bring together individuals with knowledge and experience throughout the Bow Valley to identify funding opportunities for new and existing community-based mental health projects. The launch of this initiative has been made possible through generous contributions from seed donors to the BCF Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
"We are facing a unique mental health crisis in the Bow Valley that calls for a coordinated, community-focused response. This report serves as a vital tool for understanding the mental health landscape in our region and guiding creative philanthropy and sustainable solutions to improve the wellbeing of our communities." Laurie Edward, Executive Director of Banff Canmore Foundation.
BCF is encouraging community members to actively engage with the second edition of its Bow Valley Vital Signs Report Series. It highlights mental health challenges unique to the valley and provides valuable information on clinical and formal support providers where individuals can seek help.
How to Get Involved:
