The Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation and Island Savings announced a collaboration to support mental health care initiatives in Nanaimo and surrounding areas.
Over the next three years, Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union, will commit up to $60,000 for supporting ongoing mental health programs.
A news release from the foundation said most of the funding will be used to refurbish the outdoor courtyard for the psychiatric inpatient unit at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Money will also be directed to upgrade the Brooks Landing walk-in mental health clinic and a medical detox centre in the south end.
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“With Island Savings’ financial commitment to mental health care, it will allow us to support people beyond the walls of our hospital and to increase critical mental health programs for the entire community,” said Barney Ellis-Perry, Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation CEO, in the release.
The partnership agreement will include events being held this week, which is Mental Health Awareness Week, and there is interest in developing additional mental health programming.
“Helping our communities thrive is a part of who we are, and an individual’s mental health plays a key role in that,” said Kendall Gross, president of Island Savings, in the release. “We know that this partnership helps fill a huge need in the community, and as a member-owned financial co-operative, it’s always important for us to listen to the needs of the community and offer our support accordingly.”
bailey.seymour@nanaimobulletin.com
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