Herald editor among four recognized by CMHA

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on October 30, 2024.

Herald photo by Ian Martens Lethbridge Herald managing editor Al Beeber has been recognized for his contributions to the Lethbridge and area community with a Canadian Mental Health Association Outstanding Service Award.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta South Region honoured Lethbridge Herald managing editor Al Beeber for his contributions to the Lethbridge and area community through his nearly 45 years in journalism with a CMHA Outstanding Service Award Tuesday at the Galt Museum and Archives.

Beeber was one of four people the CMHA honoured on Tuesday for their service to mental health in the community. The others included Kim Deimuth, Abdellah Salaman and Knud Peterson.

Deborah Chenery, executive director of the CMH Alberta South Region, told the Herald Thursday that the CMH looks at individuals who have made significant contributions to either their organization or the community at large to be recognized at their annual general meeting.

Chenery said that when they looked at the fact that Beeber was retiring in December, the amount of positive things that he has done for the community through his stories and coverage over the years and his commitment to the community, they realized that he reflected what their underlying purpose of recognizing people who are not traditionally looked at from a mental wellness angle.

“But it’s the work and the commitment they do in the community that really promotes mental wellness in our community and Al has really exemplify that throughout his career,” said Chenery.

She said they thought it was timely to honoured him for his many years of commitment to this community and in the work that he has done in the stories that he covered.

“We are proud of the opportunity to honour Al Beeber in the eve of his retirement after 44.5 years in journalism. Al by his own accounts struggled with many hardships over the years, including not knowing where his next meal would come from,” said Chenery.

She added that Beeber never gave up in the pursuit of a career he loved despite his life challenges.

“Al’s kindness and compassion for others wellness and caring for humanity as a whole, stands out and reflects the person he is,” said Chenery.

She added that Beeber has provided years of mental health inspiration for readers through his articles, as his articles confront ones beliefs and throws down the challenge to treat others with respect and kindness for differing opinions.

“Al Beeber’s articles will be missed and we congratulate him on a memorable career and (wish) him much health and happiness in his retirement from the Lethbridge Herald,” said Chenery.

When talking about their general meeting, the event where Beeber was being honoured, Chenery said it is an event where they get together to elect their board of directors for the upcoming year, release their financial and audit statements to the community and take the opportunity to celebrate those who have made significant contributions to the organization or the community at large like Al Beeber has.

“We’re part of a national organization that has existed since 1918 in Canada. Here in Alberta the CMHA covers the area of basically southwestern Alberta and we have been here operating since about 1980,” said Chenery.

 She added that they have officially been part of CMHA since 1990 being engaged in service delivery, mental health promotion and education, and direct services since that time.

Some of those services include crisis services like the distress line of southwestern Alberta, the crisis intervention team and the community crisis beds. Youth programs like the Community Approach Skills Development Training program and Enviro Rangers. Peer Support Programs like the wellness centre and Recovery College Program and Housing Programs like the Castle Apartments, Laura House Group Home and Scenic Drive Apartments.