A text-based program to help provide encouragement and hope to Albertans that was launched in March by Alberta Health Services (AHS) is expanding in an effort to help more people. 

Text4Hope was launched two months ago in an effort to ease Albertans' feelings of stress or anxiety during the challenging times of COVID-19.  Now the service is introducing Text4Hope-Addiction Support and Text4Hope-Cancer Care to help Albertans dealing with psychological issues related to addiction and cancer care.  The expanded services are funded by the Mental Health Foundation.

You can text “Open2Change” to 393939 to subscribe to the addiction program or text “CancerCare” to 393939 to subscribe to the cancer program. 

Text4Hope was originally launched to help those looking for support during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 45,000 Albertans have subscribed to this service, and others can still join by texting COVID19HOPE to 393939.

Subscribers can sign up for any or all of these free services. They will receive daily text messages of support and encouragement for three months. All three Text4Hope programs are designed to help people ease their stress and anxiety.