For Immediate Release • Wednesday, November 30, 2022
The Northern Lights Health Foundation is pleased to announce funding of $50,000 from Cenovus Energy towards the Pediatric & Adolescent Mental Health Project underway at Northern Lights Health Centre.
The Health Foundation is funding the creation of age-appropriate mental health treatment spaces for youth and adolescents at the Northern Lights Health Centre. We are very happy to recognize Cenovus for its commitment to supporting healthy, safe and resilient communities through this major contribution to advance the project.
The project will expand services and enhance care to children and youth undergoing inpatient treatment for acute mental health indicators. The Pediatrics unit at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre was originally designed for children requiring medical care such as support through infection, illness, surgery, cancer care, awaiting specialized treatment or preparation for transfer to a hospital for higher level of care.
The Pediatrics department has noted an alarming shift in the demographics of pediatric patients requiring care
on the unit. Now, more beds are utilized by children and adolescents experiencing mental health indicators who often require a longer-term stay and additional support from a multitude of mental health, allied health, and social service staff.
Supporting a child through a mental health crisis with service coordination is an extremely rewarding experience for the team at the hospital. They are having REAL impact that will help children to be successful at home, in school, and in forming friendships and achieving happiness in the future.
We are delighted to have strong support for this project and thank Cenovus for joining the community and corporate donors who have together contributed over $450,000.
Construction on the Sentopia Centre presented by Syncrude and the Synergy Hub presented by CNOOC International will be underway this winter with an expected completion in late spring 2023.
