Each year in Kelowna, hundreds of youth reach the Emergency Department at Kelowna General Hospital suffering from issues relating to their mental health.
Scotiabank has presented a $10,000 gift to KGH to go towards the most vulnerable youth receiving better care during their stay in hospital.
Scotiabank’s donation will go toward the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit (APU) at KGH. The donation is part of Scotiabank’s overall commitment of $50,000 to the APU.
“We believe in supporting organizations that help young people reach their infinite potential, which is why we are proud to support Kelowna General Hospital’s important work with those with mental health challenges,” says Rob Edwardsen, Branch Manager, Kelowna Main Branch at Scotiabank. “We hope that through our donation, we are helping support the future health of young people in our community.”
The APU provides acute care services to young people from across the Southern Interior region. It offers one of only five specialized programs in the Province for youth aged 12 to 17 with complex mental health issues.
Since opening in 2005, the unit has supported over 900 youth who will, on average, stay from two to three weeks. The most common diagnoses are anxiety and depression.
“When they arrive to the APU, these children really struggling,” says APU Manager, Colleen McEwan. “Because of the generosity of community partners like Scotiabank, we can continue to advance the standard of care we are able to provide and assist them in building the skills needed to better understand and cope with the challenges they face.”
This years’ gift allows McEwan the ability to purchase new furniture for the units’ family room, as well as exercise equipment and a basketball hoop for the courtyard. Youth will also continue to benefit from access to yoga, drumming classes and psychologist-recommended subscription based reading material.
“We feel very fortunate to work closely with our local Scotiabank team,” says KGH Foundation CEO, Doug Rankmore. “Their support of the APU over the past several years has made a significant difference in our ability to treat and provide world-class care for some of our most vulnerable patients.”