Georgian students help improve access
to mental health services
Mental health services for young people are needed more than ever. In response, the Barrie Campus Georgian College Students' Association (GCSA) has donated $25,000 to support mental health services for children and youth at RVH.
The donation is rooted in a recognition by Georgian students that mental health services for local youth are a priority. The funds come from reserves held by the student council.
"Many members of our student union and fellow Georgian students know what it's like to struggle with mental health," says
Hunter Markle, Vice President External and Equity, GCSA. "We want to give back to the next generation of students, to let them know that their mental health diagnosis is only one of part of who they are; that they can have the lives that they want, regardless of the battle they may be fighting in their minds; and to let them know that they're not alone in this first step towards getting better."
Markle said student council members know how hard it can be to take the first step towards asking for help, and how much harder that is when resources are not available close by. They hope that this donation will change that situation for the better.
"Children and youth in the Barrie community and in Simcoe County deserve a place to recover without having to uproot their lives," she added. "We have trusted RVH to take care of our community for 119 years. We trust them to do the same children and youth going forward."
"This is the only region in the entire province without inpatient child and youth mental health services and that's just not right. We need to do better for young people and their families in our region," says Janice Skot, RVH President and CEO. "That's why donations like this are so important. Our program will feature an eight-bed inpatient unit, day program, outpatient and crisis services. We've always considered Georgian College a valued partner due to our physical proximity but now they are also a partner in bringing care closer to home."
