SCARBOROUGH, ON, June 20, 2024 /CNW/ - Scarborough Health Network
(SHN) proudly announced the grand opening of its new Community
Mental Health Centre today, a monumental step forward in delivering
exceptional mental health care within the Scarborough community. This innovative centre
embodies the essence of accessibility and compassion, serving as a
beacon of hope and support. Joined by esteemed donors, SHN team
members, the Honorable Doug Ford and other government officials,
there was a celebratory air as SHN ushered in a new era of
inclusive care for those facing mental health challenges.
Centrally located in the heart of Scarborough, the Community Mental Health
Centre ensures inclusive, stigma-free mental health care for the
diverse community. By bringing together inpatient adult mental
health services into a warm, welcoming community setting, SHN is
breaking down barriers and transforming the narrative around mental
health support.
The centre was made possible entirely thanks to donors, who
collectively donated $6 million to
enable this priority project within SHN Foundation's Love,
Scarborough campaign.
Part of the Orlando Corporation Mental Health Centre of
Excellence across SHN, the centre offers a variety of clinical
offerings, including group and one-to-one counselling and inclusive
psychiatry. Inside, patients will have access to the following
services:
- RBC Youth Mental Well-being Clinic
- Bell Seniors' Mental Health Clinic
- The Slaight Family Foundation Cultural Psychiatry
Clinic
- Ray Gupta and Family Mood
& Anxiety Clinic
The centre's revolutionary feature is its "no wrong door" model
of care. With just a single referral from a physician or caregiver,
the SHN team takes the reins, navigating patients through the
myriad of services to ensure seamless, efficient, and personalized
care. This approach underscores SHN's commitment to making mental
health care as accessible and straightforward as possible for the
people of Scarborough.
The SHN Community Mental Health Centre is the first achievement
of the ambitious Love, Scarborough campaign, spotlighting the
power of community and philanthropy. It is also part of SHN's
greater plans to Build it Forward for Scarborough; ambitious capital expansion and
renewal projects through a multi-year redevelopment strategy
(Master Plan) will ensure SHN's hospitals' services and facilities
meet Scarborough's evolving needs
into the future, and transform healthcare for the diverse and
growing community.
This milestone signifies a collective stride towards eliminating
the stigma surrounding mental health. This centre stands as a
vibrant symbol of hope, ensuring that the Scarborough community has access to the care
and support they deserve.
QUOTES
"We are tremendously grateful to the donors who made SHN's
Community Mental Health Centre possible. Their generous support is
breaking down barriers for mental health care, and showing the
Scarborough community and beyond
the power of philanthropy. We were delighted to celebrate with them
at the Grand Opening and excited for the positive change this
centre will bring to our health network."
-
Alicia Vandermeer, President &
CEO, SHN Foundation
"Our team is beyond excited that the Community Mental Health
Centre is now open for our patients. The "no wrong door" model of
care will make it easier for those with mental health challenges to
get the care they need, when they need it, by removing
administrative obstacles. Our talented teams within the centre will
be able to work together in one beautiful, bright, and calming
space, ensuring positive outcomes for all of our patients. I am
thankful to the generous donors who believed in our vision and
helped make it a reality."
- Dr.
Ilan Fischler, Chief of Psychiatry,
SHN
"Through the establishment of Scarborough Health Network's new
Community Mental Health Centre, Orlando Corporation is delighted to
support improved access to mental health programming in the
community. Servicing the surrounding area with compassionate care,
this initiative exemplifies the outstanding work being done to help
improve the lives of those challenged with mental health issues.
This centre embodies our shared vision for a healthier, more
resilient society and acts as a reminder of the power of community
building."
-
Blair Wolk, President, Orlando Corporation
"RBC is 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 our
communities when and where they need it. We are delighted to
support Scarborough Health Network's new Community Mental Health
Centre which will help to unlock these important resources in the
Scarborough region."
-
Mark Beckles, Vice President, Social
Impact & Innovation, RBC
"Bell is proud to help connect seniors with mental health care
in Scarborough. As part of Bell
Let's Talk, our gift for the new Bell Seniors' Mental Health Clinic
will make a real difference for seniors in need of mental health
support. Congratulations to Scarborough Health Network for opening
this important centre."
-
Mary Deacon, Chair, Bell Let's Talk
"The Slaight Family Foundation is pleased to support the
development of Scarborough Health Network's Community Mental Health
Centre. We hope this innovative approach will serve as a model for
other communities to learn from in providing personalized care for
those living with mental health issues."
– Gary Slaight, President & CEO, The
Slaight Family Foundation
"Supporting the Community Mental Health Centre is a significant
investment in the well-being of our community. We are proud to
contribute to a facility that removes barriers and provides
essential, accessible care, as we believe everyone deserves access
to quality mental health care. The Community Mental Health Centre
represents hope and healing for those in need, and we are honoured
to be a part of such a vital initiative."
-
Ray Gupta, Chairman & CEO,
Sunray Group
About the Love,
Scarborough Campaign
The Love, Scarborough campaign was launched by
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Foundation in 2022 to raise
awareness and donations for Scarborough hospitals. Funds
raised support critical projects across the health network,
including expanding emergency care, establishing new models of care
in the Scarborough community, and
advancing medical research and education. SHN does more than anyone
thought possible with less than anyone could imagine. Imagine what
they could do with more. Learn more at lovescarborough.ca
About Scarborough Health
Network
Across three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough
Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Their many
programs and services are designed around the needs of one of
Canada's most vibrant and diverse
communities. They are home to North
America's largest nephrology program, as well as the
designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the
east. SHN is proud to be a community affiliated teaching site for
the University of Toronto and partner
with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train
the next generation of healthcare professionals. Learn more
at shn.ca
SOURCE Scarborough Health Network Foundation