“Preventing suicide and promoting mental health begins in building connected, resilient communities.”
On June 18, 2025, stakeholders celebrated what CEO Mara Grunau called “collective effervescence”—community cohesion that sparks belonging and wellbeing. The reception marked nearly a year of successful operations since two of Alberta’s most prominent mental health organizations joined forces.
The Centre of Suicide Prevention and Canadian Mental Health Association Alberta Division unanimously voted to join their memberships in late August last year at their respective Special General Meetings. This vote paved the way for the newly combined entity to commence operations on September 1, 2024, following over a year of planning and extensive regional consultation.
Minister Rick Wilson at the CMHA Alberta and Centre for Suicide Prevention amalgamation reception event
Minister Rick Wilson, Indigenous elder Crystal Manyfingers, and veteran leader Linda Olsen addressed the crowd. King Charles III Coronation Medal recipients Michael Mee, Carmelle Hunka, and Ross Manning received recognition.
What prompted the merger?
Aligned Missions, Stronger Impact: Both organizations shared overlapping goals in community mental health and suicide prevention. The merger allows for streamlined efforts, reduced duplication, and a unified voice.
Wider Reach & Stronger Infrastructure: By joining together, they expanded their partner network, amplified donor and funder potential, and strengthened community engagement capabilities.
Community-Centered Focus: This union reaffirmed commitment to accessible mental health education, peer support, crisis response, and suicide prevention province-wide.
Leadership & Governance
Mara Grunau, who served as CSP’s Executive Director since 2014 and took on the role as interim CEO at CMHA Alberta in June 2023, became CEO of the merged entity beginning September 1, 2024.
A transition board guided integration from launch through the organization’s first AGM in 2025. Membership includes up to 32 seats representing community agencies and partner networks.
What This Means for Albertans
Seamless Services: No disruption to mental health programming—seven CMHA regions and CSP’s education initiatives continue under one umbrella.
Expanded Programming: CSP’s suicide-focused training (Means & Media, Skills for Safer Living, Caregiver Connections) now works together with CMHA’s broader wellness services including Recovery College, Rural Mental Health, OSI-CAN, Buddy Up and more.
Stronger Community Voice: Enhanced regional connectivity amplifies voices on grassroots mental health issues and prevention strategies.
Looking Ahead
The unified organization positions itself as a provincial beacon of mental health and suicide prevention, seeking to embed prevention into everyday life and policies. As CEO Grunau emphasized in June 2025, “preventing suicide and promoting mental health begins in building connected, resilient communities.”
This merger marks a strategic and emotional union: two aligned teams now working as one with enhanced resources, reach, and cohesion—well-positioned to support Albertan lives with depth and breadth across mental health and suicide prevention.
Sources: 1. CMHA Alberta & CSP Amalgamation Announcement – member vote details and merger timeline 2. Centre for Suicide Prevention “Building Mentally Healthy Communities Together” – celebration event documentation 3. Run for Life 2025 description – operational confirmation 4. Official Gazette (Service Alberta) registry entry – legal amalgamation verification 5. CMHA Alberta Special Meeting notice (August 1, 2024) – amalgamation agreement details 6. 2023-24 CSP Annual Report – board announcement documentation 7. CMHA Alberta & CSP interim CEO announcement (July 2023) – leadership transition details 8. CMHA Alberta website news section – reception celebration confirmation
