Local teachers complete cross-country bike ride for RVH

More than $50,000 raised

They’re back…

Three local teachers have completed their cross country bike ride in support of the child and youth mental health program at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH).

James Carson, Nancy Newman and Aaryn Coutts left Cape Spear Newfoundland July 1 and dipped their front wheels in the Pacific at Vancouver a week ago.

“We wanted to do something for our students and help as many young people as we can,” said Carson. “Some of our students and their families use RVH for treatment and we had the opportunity to spread awareness and make a change. RVH has helped our community immensely, and this facility helps youth and their families get the care they desperately need.”

The trio raised $50,000 along the way, enduring stiff winds, rain, challenging terrain and heatwaves.

“We are incredibly grateful to these inspirational educators,” says Eric Dean, RVH Foundation CEO. “James, Nancy and Aaryn have not only raised funds, they’ve raised awareness and continued the conversation around youth mental health amongst children and families across Canada.”

Since December 2017 the child and youth mental health program has provided care to more than 1,500 young people from across the region through the eight-bed inpatient unit, outpatient program or classroom which is part of the Day Program. Funds raised by the teachers’ efforts will, fittingly, support the future needs of the classroom.

One in five young people suffers from mental illness but until the program opened, North Simcoe Muskoka was the only region in Ontario without a hospital-based inpatient child and youth mental health program. Youth who are experiencing acute mental health issues now have access to specialized inpatient services for stabilization and treatment at RVH. Last fall, RVH also opened a Day Program offering academic and mental health services for high school students unable to attend regular classes due to a diagnosis of anxiety or depression.

photo credit – Denise Philpott, RVH

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