Health Foundation to receive $26,000 grant from RBC for mental health initiative 

Fort McMurray, Alberta – The Northern Lights Health Foundation will be receiving a grant from RBC for $26,000 on behalf of their Children’s Mental Health Project initiative. RBC’s contribution will fund the Bounce Back and Thrive! Resiliency Skills Training Program in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The Health Foundation will host a cheque presentation ceremony in the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

 

With a population of approximately 104,000, at least 20,800 people in Wood Buffalo will experience some form of mental illness. Providing the Bounce Back and Thrive program in the community will increase mental health supports available in the region for families with children under eight years of age. Bounce Back and Thrive aids in early identification and early intervention for children with or at risk for developing mental illness. The program also promotes public awareness, which aims to reduce the stigma of mental illness.

“The Health Foundation is very proud to be receiving RBC’s generous gift of $26,000 for the Bounce Back and Thrive program,” says Susanne Chaffey, Executive Director of the Northern Lights Health Foundation. “RBC has played a truly significant role in improving mental health services for children in our region.”

Bounce Back and Thrive originated in Ontario and was developed by Reaching IN … Reaching OUT, an organization that helps adults and children develop resiliency skills. Research shows that resilience helps people better cope with life’s challenges, and can lead to better health and greater success in school, employment and relationships. The 10-session program teaches parents how to model and share resiliency and coping skills with their children. These skills can be highly beneficial for children who are with or at risk for developing mental illness.

“We are thrilled to support the Bounce Back and Thrive program,” says Dwain Krissa, Regional Vice President, RBC Royal Bank. “RBC believes in kids and our pledge is about addressing the needs of the whole child – mind, body and spirit alike.”

In 2013, RBC committed more than $100 million worldwide to support community organizations and initiatives. One of their key community commitments is to children and youth. The RBC Children’s Mental Health Project has given more than $16 million to hundreds of organizations committed to providing early intervention, increasing public awareness and reducing the stigma of mental illness.

About the Northern Lights Health Foundation
Established in 1985, the Northern Lights Health Foundation exists to provide funds to support health care priorities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. For more information, visit www.nlhf.ca

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For more information, please contact:
Susanne Chaffey
Executive Director
Northern Lights Health Foundation
Tel: 780-791-6178 Cell: 780-715-5881 Email: susanne.chaffey@albertahealthservices.ca