Technology That's Making a Difference to Youth Mental Health

The Sandbox Project to receive $450,000 to fund phase two of the Sandbox Project Mental Health Initiative; funding to help develop a new virtual health support network and app for young people and their families

TORONTO, Jan. 21, 2014 /CNW/ - On January 23^rd, child and youth health advocacy organization, The Sandbox Project, will announce $450,000 in joint funding support from TELUS, the RBC Foundation and the Graham Boeckh Foundation to help phase two of the Sandbox Project Mental Health Initiative become a reality.

The announcement will be made at the Sandbox 4^th National Conference and Workshop taking place in Toronto on January 23^rd at TELUS House, Third Floor, Room 31 - 25 York Street.

An estimated 1.2 million Canadian children and youth are affected by mental illness—yet less than 20 per cent will receive appropriate treatment. With more than two-thirds of adults living with a mental health problem reporting that symptoms first appeared during their youth, establishing the foundation for healthy emotional and social development is vital early on.

Interview Opportunities:

• Dr. Stanley Kutcher, MD, an internationally-renowned expert in the area of adolescent mental health is available to speak about youth mental health in Canada and the Sandbox Project Mental Health Initiative. Dr. Kutcher will play a leading role in the development of this initiative and can discuss the positive outcomes this technology can have for youth dealing with mental illness, their families and healthcare providers.
• Alicia Raimundo, an active member of The Sandbox Project Young Canadian Roundtable on Health, is also available at the conference or via phone to speak about the benefits of healthcare technology from her perspective as a patient.
• Representatives from The Sandbox Project and the funding partners, including TELUS Health will also be available for interviews.

Details of the conference:

WHAT:	The Sandbox Project 4^th Annual National Conference and Workshop
WHEN:	11:30 a.m. - Dr. Stanley Kutcher Funding announcement for the second phase of the Sandbox Project Mental Health Initiative
WHERE:	TELUS House, Third Floor, Room 31 - 25 York Street

Follow the conference on Twitter at #sandbox2014.

SOURCE: The Sandbox Project

For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact: 

Alexandra Fahmey
Edelman for Sandbox
416.849.1516
[email protected]