A historic donation in support of mental health services for youth
March 15, 2018
Pictured from left: David McCullough, Chair, Hearts & Minds Cabinet; MaryLynn West-Moynes, President and CEO, Georgian College; Janice Skot, RVH President and CEO; Hunter Markle, GCSA; Avery Konda, GCSA; and Mary Webb, Manager, Child and Youth Mental Health program and Adult Crisis Services.
Mental health services for young people are needed more than ever and Georgian students are playing a big role in bringing care closer to home.
The Georgian College Students’ Association at the Barrie Campus made a $25,000 donation to support mental health services for children and youth at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie.
“Many members of our student union and fellow Georgian students know what it’s like to struggle with mental health,” says former student leader Hunter Markle. “We wanted to give back to the next generation of students.”
The Barrie area is the only region in the entire province without inpatient child and youth mental health services. Thanks to the donation, funds will go toward an eight-bed inpatient unit, day program, outpatient and crisis services.
The donation is rooted in a recognition by Georgian students, through the GSCA, that mental health services for local youth are a priority. The funds come from reserves held by the student council.
Markle says student council members know how hard it can be to take the first step toward asking for help, and how much harder it is when resources are not available close by. They hope this donation will address some of the stigma.