Medavie Health Foundation was established in 2011 to provide healthcare centered around communities. The Foundation concentrates on enhancing access to fair, culturally appropriate care in the three main fields. It promotes healthy lifestyles, supporting youth mental health, and addressing post-traumatic stress while supporting innovative healthcare solutions. Additionally, they also foster community empowerment through their initiatives. Want to learn more? Let’s dive into what sets Medavie Health Foundation apart and how its initiatives can positively impact the lives of people in a community.
Healthy Living
Ensuring a person’s access to nutritious food and physical activity is crucial for overall well-being. The Medavie Foundation fortifies community-centered food systems. They also enhance access to physical activity. This means creating accessible outdoor spaces, sports programs, community gardens, urban farms, and community kitchens. To qualify for Healthy Living funding, initiatives must either enhance access to regular physical activity or improve access to healthy food through bolstering community-based food systems. The Foundation requires that these initiatives must be inclusive, open to the public, and accessible throughout the community, promoting community participation and fostering improvements in physical health, food literacy, and community belonging.
Take for example: the Foundation’s work with The North Grove’s Community Food Centre. The Centre opened in 2015, offering essential resources to Dartmouth North residents facing food insecurity. The Centre provides meals, fresh produce markets, and community farm opportunities. Over 100 volunteers support various programs, fostering community engagement and providing invaluable assistance. Amidst pandemic difficulties, North Grove’s role as a beacon of support and stability strengthened community bonds, emphasizing the importance of social connections and mutual support.
Post-Traumatic Stress
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects not only individuals who have undergone trauma but also their families and support networks. From household members to relatives and friends, the Medavie Foundation endeavors to enhance access to accredited, community-based counseling and therapy, prioritizing prompt care delivery. Initiatives eligible for Post-Traumatic Stress funding must address various individual mental health challenges and symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, while monitoring usage and clinical outcomes to ensure symptom management or improvement.
Here’s one example of the Foundation’s work with those suffering with PTSD. The Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) launched the PSPNET (Public Safety Personnel Network) program in 2015. It offers internet-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (ICBT) to first responders and public safety personnel in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, increasing mental health support for those who serve their communities. It’s a vital resource, offering accessible and tailored support to those in need.
Youth Mental Health
Child and adolescent mental health is facing a critical juncture. The Medavie Foundation works to improve accessibility to accredited, community-centered counseling and therapy. They cater to the diverse spectrum of mental health issues and challenges encountered by young individuals. These initiatives comprehensively tackle various mental health challenges and symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, while also monitoring both usage and clinical outcomes to ensure effective symptom management or improvement.
The Foundation has partnered with organizations whose focus is on youth mental health services like London’s First Episode Mood & Anxiety Program (FEMAP) and New Brunswick’s Atlantic Wellness Community Centre. These initiatives provide free counseling and therapy, significantly benefiting hundreds of young individuals, fostering better mental well-being in their communities.
Medavie Scholarship
The Foundation also impacts the lives of incoming college students. The Medavie Scholarship supports Canadian youth pursuing health-related studies while navigating mental health challenges. Five recipients annually receive $5,000 each, renewable for up to 4 years. The scholarship opportunity seeks individuals who have personal experience with mental health challenges, either their own or a family member’s.
How Medavie Health Foundation Can Help You
If you’re wondering how Medavie Health Foundation can make a difference in your life, consider the following:
Access to Healthcare: The Foundation’s support for healthcare initiatives can improve access to essential services. This ensures that you and your loved ones receive the care you need when you need it.
Mental Health Support: Mental health is a priority for Medavie Health Foundation. They allocate funds to programs that promote mental wellness and provide support for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Community Programs: By assisting community-based programs and initiatives, Medavie Health Foundation helps create supportive environments where people can thrive and lead healthier lives.
Innovative Solutions: Focusing on innovation, the Foundation drives forward-thinking solutions to healthcare challenges, which may lead to new treatments, technologies, and approaches to care.
By supporting initiatives that address pressing healthcare needs, the Foundation is making a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians. Whether it’s through funding research, backing community programs, or promoting mental health awareness, Medavie Health Foundation is dedicated to unlocking hope and improving health for all. Learn more about the Foundation.
As a Medavie Blue Cross partner, MMHI is a proud supporter of Medavie Health Foundation.