October 27, 2017
RBC presented the Health Foundation with a gift of $100,000 which will support this unique position and serve children, youth and young adults in the Wood Buffalo Region that are suffering with mental health illnesses.
Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Northern Lights Health Foundation is excited to announce that the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Youth Mental Health Navigator Position will be funded for a second year thanks to the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Foundation. RBC presented the Health Foundation with a gift of $100,000 which will support this unique position and serve children, youth and young adults in the Wood Buffalo Region that are suffering with mental health illnesses.
The Youth Mental Health Navigator serves as the single point of entry for mental health referrals in the region for children, youth and young adults up to 24. The position supports these clients and their families in accessing resources, ensuring connection to appropriate services, and providing a smooth transition from one level of care to the next. Currently, the position is part of a pilot program with the goal of creating a permanent position within Alberta Health Services at the end of the two year pilot period. Already, the impact on children, youth and families is apparent.
“Feedback from people who have been helped by the navigator has been extremely positive,” said Cindy Amerongen, Executive Director, Northern Lights Health Foundation.
“The navigator has created partnerships with other health service and education providers in the region and is actively decreasing the barriers to access mental health services. The navigator is a strong advocate for patients and families in helping them access appropriate resources.” RBC has been a valued supporter of the Northern Lights Health Foundation since 2002. Their support has assisted the Health Foundation in funding important medical programs, services and equipment in our community. RBC has a long history of supporting a wide range of initiatives to help youth and children realize their potential and were a vital provider of financial and volunteer support to the community after the 2016 wildfire.
The Northern Lights Health Foundation is very thankful to RBC for supporting the Youth Mental Health Navigator position for a second year. This project will help many young people suffering with mental illnesses get access to the most appropriate care when and where they need it most.
RBC Foundation Youth Mental Health Project
The RBC Youth Mental Health Project is our commitment to support programs that help youth and families access the right care at the right time. Through the Project, we have provided more than $34 million to organizations dedicated to helping kids and families get the programs and resources they need.
About the Northern Lights Health Foundation
Established in 1985, the Northern Lights Health Foundation exists to provide funds to support health care priorities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The Health Foundation is proudly accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program. For more information, visit northernlightshealthfoundation.ca
