CALGARY -- Alberta is investing $7.3 million in youth mental health centres across Alberta over the next three years. Of that, $3 million will be allocated for use this year, expanding mental health hubs and, “to improve mental wellness immediately,” according to Mike Ellis, Alberta's Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. Ellis made the announcement at a press conference in Medicine Hat on Tuesday. “Youth across the province will benefit from increased access to services that improve mental wellness,” said Ellis. “We want youth to get help before they’re in crisis.” The money will go to improving existing care hubs, building new ones, and expanding others. The province has planned for a total of 12 hubs to be in operation. Eight are in operation now, and four are currently being planned and implemented.