It’s a sobering statistic: 75% of mental illnesses manifest before the age of 25. This stark reality underscores the critical need for early intervention, treatment, and comprehensive care to ensure brighter futures for children and youth. Recognizing this urgency, Save-On-Foods, a long-standing champion for community health and access to quality food, has made an extraordinary contribution. Their landmark $15-million donation to BC Children’s Hospital marks the largest mental health gift in the hospital’s history, and signals a bold step forward in transforming mental health care for young people. This historic commitment from Save-On-Foods, fueled by the support of their supplier partners, dedicated team members, and generous customers who value access to affordable and quality food, reinforces their legacy of giving, which has surpassed $60 million to children’s hospitals across western Canada. This incredible donation will directly address critical gaps in mental health services and pave the way for innovative treatments.
Pioneering Canada’s First Interventional Psychiatry Initiative
A significant portion of the Save-On-Foods food donation will establish Canada’s first Interventional Psychiatry Initiative at BC Children’s Hospital. This groundbreaking initiative will pioneer the use of cutting-edge treatments such as brain stimulation and digital therapeutics for children and youth grappling with severe mental illnesses. These advanced interventions offer new hope for young patients who have not responded adequately to traditional therapies, promising more effective and targeted care pathways.
Expanding Support with the TLC Team
Understanding the complexities of mental health challenges, the donation will also facilitate the expansion of the Transition and Linking Care (TLC) Team. This vital team provides enhanced, personalized support for children with intricate mental health needs and their families. By bolstering the TLC team, BC Children’s Hospital can extend its reach and offer more comprehensive and coordinated care, ensuring that families receive the guidance and resources they need to navigate challenging circumstances.
Investing in Future Research with Endowed Chair
Looking towards the future, the Save-On-Foods food donation will create an endowed Hospital Chair in Mental Health & Substance Use. This endowed position will serve as a catalyst for driving research and innovation in the field of pediatric mental health for generations to come. By attracting and supporting leading experts, this chair will ensure ongoing advancements in understanding and treating mental health conditions affecting children and adolescents.
Save-On-Foods: A Champion for Children’s Health
“This extraordinary $15-million gift from Save-On-Foods propels the vision for a brighter future for children across British Columbia,” stated Malcolm Berry, president and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “It empowers BC Children’s Hospital leadership to recruit top talent, expand critical programs, and transform how mental health care is delivered—creating meaningful change for thousands of young lives and, ultimately, stronger communities.” Save-On-Foods’ commitment extends beyond providing groceries; they are investing in the very fabric of community well-being. This milestone donation exemplifies the power of community partnerships and underscores Save-On-Foods’ unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of children and families across BC and the Yukon. Their continued support ensures that children have access to not only nutritious food but also crucial mental health resources, laying the foundation for healthier, happier lives.
