Medavie Health Foundation Launches 2017 Grants Program, Adds PTSD as Third Core Cause

Medavie Health Foundation is seeking funding applications from community-based initiatives focused on improving the lives of those impacted by child and youth mental health, type 2 diabetes and – new for this year – post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To apply for funding, organizations must be a registered charity offering programs in one of these three core cause areas.

Letters of Inquiry will be accepted until February 28, 2017, with priority given to programs offered in areas where Medavie employees live and work. For grant program and application details, please visit the “Apply” section on MedavieHealthFoundation.ca.

Medavie Health Foundation grant recipients include Eating Disorders Nova Scotia, Dartmouth North Family Food Centre, Choices for Youth, Boys and Girls Club of Moncton, Revivre, and Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth. Since late 2011, the Foundation has committed more than $7.5 million to over 60 single and multi-year grant and partnership programs, some of which have yet to be announced.

Quick Facts

  • The onset of most mental health issues occur in young childhood and adolescence – about 70% of mental disorders can be diagnosed before age 25.
  • It is estimated that at any given time, one in 10 Canadians is experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. Canada has one of the highest rates of PTSD in the world, with a prevalence rate of lifetime PTSD at 9.2%.
  • Type 2 diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in Canada and studies show a strong link to childhood obesity.

“Through our grants program, we’re committed to supporting initiatives that are making a real difference to Canadians on an individual and community level – initiatives that help change behaviour, teach new habits, and give someone a second chance or the support they need. We encourage organizations offering programming in our core cause areas and who believe keeping Canada healthy doesn’t start in a doctor’s office, but in our kitchens and community centres, to apply.”

Patty Faith, Executive Director, Medavie Health Foundation

“Eva’s is enormously appreciative of Medavie Health Foundation’s support of our Family Reconnect Program, which prevents youth homelessness through family counselling and connects youth and families to much-needed mental health services in the community. Family Reconnect does not receive nearly enough government funding to operate as it does; without support from organizations like Medavie Health Foundation and the support of the wider community, Family Reconnect would be forced to turn families away or make them wait for care – an impossibility given their needs are so urgent.”

Jocelyn Helland, Executive Director, Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth

“As the first Community Food Centre in Atlantic Canada, we’re building new, integrated ways of addressing food insecurity and improving health and wellbeing. Support from Medavie Health Foundation in this early stage of our growth has been critical. Every week, Medavie’s contribution makes it possible for people of all ages and abilities to step into the kitchen where they can prepare and enjoy healthy and delicious meals with their neighbours. After only a year, 73% of participants say they are eating more fruits and vegetables because of this programming.”

Roxanne Manning, Executive Director, Dartmouth Family Centre/Dartmouth North Community Food Centre

“Thanks to the generous support of the Medavie Health Foundation, Choices for Youth is able to provide flexible, supportive programming to youth in need. Last year we worked with over 1,000 young people with diverse skills, needs and life experiences. It’s because of funding like Medavie’s that we’re able to respond to their needs with a sense of hope and possibility.”

Sheldon Pollett, Executive Director, Choices for Youth

“Eating Disorders Nova Scotia is a small organization, but the need of people affected by eating disorders in Nova Scotia is great. Funding from Medavie Foundation is critical to helping us support Nova Scotians where they are, when they need us. Their funding has helped us to develop, evaluate and grow a successful peer support program that has become a model for eating disorder support. Not only are we providing valuable support to people experiencing eating disorders, we’re also developing the skills and resources of our peer mentors, who put this mental health training and their own lived experience to work in their own communities.”

Michelle Hébert Boyd, Executive Director, Eating Disorders Nova Scotia

“Thanks to support from Medavie Health Foundation, Revivre can continue to support youth with anxiety and mood disorders. Camille’s story is a concrete example of the positive impact of supporting the Foundation: after several years with depression and anxiety, she contacted Revivre for help and is now at school full-time with a job as well.”

Jean-Rémy Provost, Executive Director, Revivre

Our Mission is to Improve the Wellbeing of Canadians.

Medavie is a health company that oversees Medavie Blue Cross and Medavie Health Services. Together, we’re bringing Canadians better health and access to care.