The Medavie Foundation has made a three-year, $750,000 investment in applied youth mental health research at the University of New Brunswick.
The Medavie Foundation’s support will be used to establish a Chair in Youth Mental Health as part of UNB’s Saint John-based Integrated Health Initiative (IHI). Of this foundational investment, $500,000 will help support staffing expenses of the chair for five years (2026-2031); $150,000 will be devoted to non-staffing expenses to operationalize the chair’s research and public outreach efforts; and $100,000 will help build the Health and Social Innovation Centre in which the chair and their team will work at UNB’s Saint John campus.
The Health and Social Innovation Centre is already under construction.
Heather Campbell, director of the Integrated Health Initiative, said the funding will enable UNB to move forward with the development of a youth mental health research cluster that fosters systemic change in New Brunswick.
“Our objective is to translate national and international research into locally relevant, evidence-based models of care,” Campbell said. “The Research Chair in Youth Mental Health will lead an applied, action-oriented research program dedicated to improving access to and the quality of youth mental health services in New Brunswick,” Campbell said. “The Chair’s work will address the full continuum of youth mental health, from prevention and early intervention to crisis care and long-term supports.”
The gift was announced at a breakfast event for the Integrated Health Initiative by Bernard Lord, KC, CEO of Medavie. Lord said the three-year grant is being made as part of the Medavie Foundation’s mission to improve the wellbeing of Canadians.
“Every young person deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported,” Lord said. “It is our hope that with the chair’s oversight, knowledge gained by collaborators at the Health and Social Innovation Centre can more immediately improve care, for the betterment of children and youth across New Brunswick.”
“UNB is deeply grateful to Medavie and the Medavie Foundation for their confidence in the Integrated Health Initiative,” said Dr. Kathy Wilson, acting president and vice chancellor of the University of New Brunswick. “Their support speaks to a shared commitment to strengthening mental health services for young people across New Brunswick and to ensuring research makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our communities.”
“With the support of Medavie and our corporate and community partners, UNB is able to advance research that helps improve how services are shaped and delivered,” Dr. Wilson said. “Together, we are working to ensure young people across the province have the support they need to realize their potential.”
About Medavie
Medavie is a national health solutions partner and innovative leader in benefits management, health management, primary care and healthcare delivery. The Medavie Foundation was founded in 2011 as an extension of Medavie’s commitment to expand access to community-centered care. The Medavie Foundation supports local programs that demonstrably improve the physical and mental wellbeing of youth, seniors, public-safety personnel, and their families.
About UNB
The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is Canada's oldest English-language university, and New Brunswick’s only national comprehensive university. Founded in 1785, the multi-campus institution has a rich history as well as a dynamic focus on research, innovation, experiential learning and entrepreneurship. It was the first university in Canada to offer courses and full programs in engineering. UNB welcomes more than 10,000 students from 100 countries to its campuses. With over 250 programs in 14 faculties, UNB helps students acquire the abilities needed to make an impact in their communities.
Media contact
Amirah El-Safty, Senior Communications Advisor, Medavie
amirah.el-safty@medavie.ca