Medavie Health Foundation and Horizon Health Network team up to develop a youth mental health program

SAINT JOHN, NB, Jan. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - The Medavie Health Foundation announced today it will provide $585,000 to the Horizon Health Network as part of a five-year partnership to support the development of a youth mental health program in Saint John.

It is widely recognized that the onset of most mental health issues occurs in young childhood and adolescence.  Studies also show the number of youth affected by mental illness is growing.  The Young Adult Program is a newly developed community-based mental health and addictions service within the Horizon Health Network.  This program is designed to address a growing need to ensure youth with mental health issues have support during this pivotal time so they can go on to live productive and fulfilling lives.

"We believe this program will enhance the quality of life for youth in the Greater Saint John area living with mental health issues," said Ruth Rappini, Vice President, Organization Development, Medavie Blue Cross and Medavie Health Foundation.  "We applaud the Horizon Health Network for taking the initiative to develop this critical program and for recognizing the importance of securing a separate facility to address the unique needs of local area youth."

Rappini added, "This initiative aligns well with our vision to bring organizations and communities together through collaborative multi-year partnerships that promote long term lasting impacts."

"Horizon Health Network is extremely grateful for the support received from the Medavie Health Foundation to enhance youth mental health services in the Saint John area," said Donald J. Peters, President and CEO for Horizon Health Network. "Horizon values this important community partnership, which will assist in laying a strong foundation of essential youth mental health services."

Mental Health and Recovery Services recognized the importance of securing a separate facility for youth.  Through support from the Department of Health and Horizon Health Network, the comprehensive development of this program will take place in a bright, welcoming, non-residential building located in uptown Saint John.

The Medavie Health Foundation is focused on developing partnerships and supporting programs that promote long term lasting impacts to support mental health in children and youth and the prevention and self management of Type 2 diabetes. These two areas are of particular concern to Canadians and offer significant potential to affect change for future generations.

Today's partnership announcement, combined with a series of early grant announcements, paves the way for the launch of a formal grants program later this month.

About the Medavie Health Foundation

The Medavie Health Foundation is funded by Medavie Blue Cross and our partner, Medavie EMS, as part of a long term commitment to make a lasting impact in the communities where our employees and customers live and work.

The Foundation is focused on two core causes that are of particular concern to Canadians - Child and Youth Mental Health and Type 2 Diabetes.  The Foundation will partner with community based organizations and support programs in these two areas.

As a not-for profit organization, Medavie Blue Cross is proud to commit an annual social dividend of 10 per cent of our net income to the Medavie Health Foundation.

Horizon Health Network

Horizon Health Network is the largest health-care organization in Atlantic Canada, operating 12 hospitals and more than 100 medical facilities, clinics and offices providing medical services ranging from acute care to community-based health services to New Brunswick, northern Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. With 1,000 physicians, an annual budget exceeding $1 billion and approximately 13,000 employees, Horizon Health Network's strategic vision focuses on research, innovation and education.

Patty Faith
Director, Medavie Health Foundation
[phone]
[email protected]

Janet Hogan
Vice-President, Communications and Community Relations
Horizon Health Network
[phone]
[email protected]