CASA House in Fort McMurray – scheduled to open in 2027 – is one step closer to its fundraising goal, thanks to Canadian Natural’s commitment of $1.5 million over the next five years. This investment will help bring specialized, trauma-informed mental health treatment to more youth and families living in northern Alberta.
For families in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, accessing intensive youth mental health care often means travelling nearly five hours each way to Edmonton and facing wait times of eight to 18 months. CASA Mental Health provides care in the “missing middle,” bridging the critical gap between community-based services and hospital care. The new CASA House Fort McMurray will bring more intensive mental health services and support closer to home for families in the region.
“CASA plays a critical role in helping youth heal and thrive,” says Bill Clapperton, Vice President Stakeholder and Government Affairs, Canadian Natural. “We’re proud to support their important work through our funding of the Canadian Natural Resources Youth Wing, which helps ensure young patients can continue to receive treatment and education in a welcoming environment.”
CASA House Fort McMurray will provide intensive, live-in treatment for up to 57 youth each year, along with outpatient care for an additional 24 patients through the Adolescent Day Program (ADP). Teens stay at CASA House for an average of four months, including on-site schooling. Other youth attend ADP daily for one semester during the school year so they can continue their education while improving their social and learning skills.
“We celebrate this significant community investment in CASA Mental health,” says Bonnie Blakley, Chief Executive Officer, CASA Mental Health. “Canadian Natural’s gift supports our vision to reach more families, expand our footprint and bring mental health services closer to where kids need them.”
CASA House Fort McMurray will support families and caregivers through integrated, trauma-informed care delivered by multidisciplinary teams.
The new facility will be located in the city’s south end, between Quarry Ridge Drive and Highway 63.
For more information about how CASA is expanding its circle of care across the province, visit Services Across Alberta.
