Lacombe’s Burman University is receiving funding to expand and improve mental health support on campus.

Of the $2.6 million that will be handed out to eight post-secondary schools in and near Edmonton by the Alberta Government, Burman will be issued $80,000.

The money will go towards strengthening their mental health support through counselling, partnering with various mental health organizations and from time to time, bringing in mental health experts.

President Dr. Loren Agrey said he understands the stress that comes with getting an education and couldn’t be more thankful.

“We want, not only students to be successful academically, but we want them to be healthy physically, and mentally, in this case. We are very pleased that this funding has come through.”

The 2016 National College Health Assessment survey conducted at 10 post-secondary institutions across the province showed a high incidence of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Agrey said keeping students in the right mind set during their studies is crucial to their success.

“We believe it’s very important because as they are working towards their academic achievement, mental health is vital for them to be successful. We want to support them in any way that we can and this funding is certainly going to help us.”

The funding is part of $25.8 million the province is investing over a three-year period to protect and improve mental health resources for post-secondary students at publicly funded institutions across Alberta.