AHS offers text message-based mental health service in more languages
A small ray of hope is only a text message away and now, in even more languages.
Text4Hope is an evidence-based tool available to Albertans struggling with mental health during the pandemic, Alberta Health Services says. The service helps people identify and adjust negative feelings, thoughts, and behaviours through daily messages in the form of advice and helpful encouragement.
Launched in March of 2020 in English, AHS is expanding the languages the service is offered in to help people cope with stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic.
The text-based service is available to Albertans at no cost, although standard message rates from a phone carrier may apply. It lasts three months, and users can resubscribe if they feel they need or want to continue the service.
The initiative was founded by Dr. Vincent Agyapong, a psychiatrist and professor at the University of Alberta. It was inspired by a similar service developed in 2016 for Albertans experiencing anxiety and depression during the Fort McMurray wildfires.
It’s now available in Arabic, French, Simplified Chinese and Punjabi.
“We know many people are struggling, and it can be difficult to reach people who speak English as a second language,” Agyapong said in a statement.
According to AHS, 54,000 people have subscribed to Text4Hope since the program started.
“Inclusivity is important. Text4Hope in multiple languages will help us provide a unique support to Albertans,” says Dr. Nicholas Mitchell, provincial medical director for addiction and mental health.
If you wish to subscribe, text COVID19HOPE to 393939 for the English messages.
For the four additional languages, text one of the keywords to +1-855-947-4673 (+1-855-947-HOPE):
- Arabic Program Name: تيكست فور هوب
- Simplified Chinese Program Name: 文本4希望
- French Program Name: TextoEspoir
- Punjabi Program Name: ਟੈਕਸਟ4ਹੋਪ
For more information about the service, visit Text4Hope’s website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Auston Matthews skates ahead of Game 7, status unclear with season on the line
Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Snakes almost on a plane: U.S. TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants
According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint.