The Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) Foundation is pleased to announce a generous $50,000 donation from the RBC Foundation through RBC Future Launch dedicated to bolstering the Parkview Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program at Royal Inland Hospital. This transformative contribution has been further amplified through additional donor support, highlighting the community’s commitment to the well-being of its youth and resulting in RIH Foundation’s ability to match these funds.
The Parkview Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program, an outpatient crisis stabilization mental health initiative for youth, plays a pivotal role in the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap region. The funding from the RBC Foundation will specifically support the hiring of a clinician care coordinator, addressing the pressing needs of youth with mental health and substance use concerns.
“RBC remains committed to driving more equitable prosperity within our communities. This includes partnering with healthcare providers to enable access to mental health services and resources for youth when and where they need it,” said Mark Beckles, Vice President, Social Impact & Innovation, RBC. “Through our partnership with the RIH Foundation, the RBC Foundation will help to unlock these important resources in the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap region.”
Studies highlight the prevalence of mental health and substance use disorders among youth, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible care and support services. With 1 in 5 youth struggling with mental health, support from the RBC Foundation will have a lasting impact, alleviating high caseloads, enhancing service delivery, and decreasing waiting times. This ensures that families near and far, can feel confident in knowing that they will receive the specialized care they need, in a timely manner.
One local mother describes the transformative difference this program has had on their family, highlighting its importance in the community, “Having our son back in a psychologically healthy manner and helping him control his anxiety has reduced the immense stress that was on our household, as we previously focused solely on keeping our son alive for months. I always felt supported and validated through the Parkview program and my concerns were always taken seriously.”
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the RBC Foundation for their generous investment in the Parkview Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program. RIH Foundation acknowledges the profound and enduring difference this gift will make in the lives of adolescents, youth and their families in our region. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to building a resilient and healthy future for the next generation.” – Heidi Coleman, RIH Foundation CEO
