Newmarket, ON (January 26, 2022): We continue to action transforming mental health care at Southlake through our Better Begins Today – Mental Health Campaign. But, it hasn’t been easy, especially as the pandemic lingers on. Mental health is on everyone’s mind – not just on #BellLetsTalkDay – but every day.
We are on the front lines of a hidden crisis made worse by the strain of a COVID-19. We face unrelenting demands with 17 people coming to our Emergency Department every day experiencing a mental health crisis.
But we took action and prioritized mental health because of our communities’ generosity, we have reached 86% of our $7.5 million campaign. As a result, we’re transforming the lives of those with mental illness by building spaces that heal.
Last year, we opened the doors to our new Emergent Mental Health Assessment Unit so that those in crisis don’t share an Emergency Department with those suffering from physical illness and injury. Patients can now start their treatment the moment they come through our doors in a space that provides peace and dignity. To see the impact of the new Mental Health Assessment Unit, watch the video below and hear from Dr. Gaurav Mehta, Medical Director for Inpatient Psychiatry and Aga Dojczewska, Manager of Inpatient Adult Mental Health and Emergent Mental Health Assessment Unit. They are committed to delivering the best possible care for every person in crisis who turns to Southlake.
Dr. Gaurav Mehta, Medical Director for Inpatient Psychiatry.
Construction has also begun for our new 12-bed Adult Inpatient Unit to help 400 more patients every year. Currently, our double rooms must accommodate three patients, often with the addition of stretchers, so patients don’t even have the comfort of a bed. They also lack other spaces they need to get well, including safe access to the outdoors to breathe fresh air, a place to connect with their family, and private areas for consultation with their healthcare team.
While we have made significant progress, we need help to give help. Let’s cross the finish line of this critical Campaign together. We invite our caring and generous communities to donate today to build the healing spaces our mental health patients and their families expect and deserve.
About Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation
Since the inception of Southlake Foundation in 1980, more than $213 million dollars has been raised in support of Southlake Regional Health Centre. Working with members of the community, hundreds of volunteers, the Southlake Family and our incredible donors, Southlake Foundation will continue to support life-saving medical equipment, infrastructure upgrades and expansions, patient programs and staff education, all for the goal of providing leading-edge care for patients and families, close to home. For more information visit: southlakefoundation.ca.
