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Mental health centre to mark centennial

The Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury in Ponoka is marking its 100th anniversary with a staff reunion that runs from July 29 to 31.

The Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury in Ponoka is marking its 100th anniversary with a staff reunion that runs from July 29 to 31.

In 1911, mental health care first became available in Alberta at the Central Alberta facility originally called the Provincial Hospital for the Insane.

Known for a long time as Alberta Hospital Ponoka, the centre developed into one of Western Canada’s largest active treatment facilities for people with psychiatric disorders and brain injury.

“It’s quite an achievement for a facility to be around for 100 years, almost as long as the province has been around,” said Dwight Hunks, executive director of addiction and mental health for the Central Zone of Alberta Health Services.

“It was state of the art services when it started and I think it’s kept that up over the years.”

Initially built for 150 patients, the Centennial Centre now has grown to 157 adult inpatient beds, 48 brain injury beds and 125 seniors mental health beds.

The centre has over 1,000 staff, including 20 physicians, 200 nurses and other professionals. It is also a training location for registered psychiatric nurses.

In recent years, the site was completely redeveloped with all new buildings. The original hospital building that opened 100 years ago is empty, but still stands as a heritage site.

Early in its history, homes for nurses and doctors were built on the site. There was a hospital farm to supply the facility with fresh produce and a water tower and reservoir.

More buildings were added to the site beginning with the Activity and Treatment Centre in 1987; the Halvar Jonson Centre for Brain Injury in 1990; the Geriatric Psychiatry Centre, Materials Management, and Support Services in 2002; and the Adult Psychiatry Centre in 2003.

Hunks said depending on how long staff have been away, they might not recognize much.

Reunion activities begin with the 100 Year Celebration on July 29 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the centre in the Activity and Treatment Centre gymnasium. Representatives from Alberta Health Services and government will be in attendance, along with current and former staff and patients.

About 150 people have so far registered for the reunion and weekend activities that include a tour of the Centennial Centre and a dinner and dance.

szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com