Slaight Foundation Gifts $26.5M To Youth Mental Health Initiatives

By External Source

The Slaight Family Foundation today announced it will donate $26.5 million to 19 organizations, including national charities, Greater Toronto Area hospitals, and community service providers, to support and expand services for youth suffering from mental health issues. The initiative will enable recipient organizations to provide new or enhanced models of care for youth suffering from such issues as substance use disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia, eating disorders and post-partum depression.

A major component of this initiative is the creation of formal partnerships between 12 GTA hospitals and local mental health organizations serving youth that will establish a continuum of care that youth will receive after being discharged from hospitals. This includes implementing better and more realistic models and programs that can be replicated across the country to prevent youth from falling through the cracks—particularly those from underserved and vulnerable communities.

“Funding for mental health initiatives doesn’t just improve lives; it strengthens our entire social fabric,” said Gary Slaight, President and CEO of The Slaight Family Foundation. “One of the issues we heard loud and clear was the disconnect between youth discharged from hospitals and the continued community support or services available to them. Investing in these connecting services and programs is an investment in the well-being and future of our youth. We consider this support a fundamental step towards breaking down barriers and creating a more equitable, accessible healthcare system.”

The announcement comes ahead of World Mental Health Day (October 10) and at a crucial time, as Canadians between 15 and 24 years old are more likely to report mental health and substance use concerns than any other age group.