Rebels with a cause – Jack.org receives multi-year funding from Medavie to improve youth mental health literacy

Jack.org is receiving a $75,000 grant over three years in support of initiatives that train and empower youth to implement mental health outreach and education activities in breaking down barriers and creating supportive environments in their communities.

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From left to right: Michael Decter, Board Chair, Medavie; Kim West, Board Chair, Medavie Health Foundation; Sandra Hanington, Co-Founder, Jack.org; Eric Windeler, Founder & Executive Director, Jack.org; Bernard Lord, CEO, Medavie; and Alaina MacKenzie, Market Leader, Group Business, Ontario, Medavie Blue Cross.

Using a peer-to-peer approach, Jack.org is leveraging its network to influence systems-level change in improving youth mental health and reducing suicide. This funding brings Medavie’s support of Jack.org to $100,000.

Through our Foundation, Medavie supports community-based programs aligned with child and youth mental health, post-traumatic stress, and type 2 diabetes. Since late 2011, Medavie Health Foundation has committed over $12 million to single and multi-year grant and partnership programs. For information on the Foundation’s 2018 Grants Program, or to apply, visit www.medavie.ca.

This funding was announced at a reception in Toronto marking Medavie’s 75-year milestone of caring for Canadians, with partner representatives and stakeholders in attendance.

Quick Facts

  • Through Jack Talks, Jack Chapters and Jack Summits, Jack.org is making it easier for young people to discuss mental health, support one another, and get the help they need if struggling.
  • 85% of Jack Chapter leaders say their Jack.org training prepares them to start mental health conversations and advocate in their communities in improving knowledge and reducing stigma.
  • After accidents, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 15-34. 1

“As a not-for-profit health solutions partner, Medavie is committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians. For 75 years, through investments in programs and innovative solutions, we’ve been helping Canadians live well and enabling easier access to quality health care in our communities. Improving mental health literacy and empowering students to better care for their wellbeing aligns with our Foundation’s belief that all Canadians, especially young Canadians, should have access to the tools and supports they need to live their best lives.”

“Jack.org is so excited to deepen our partnership with Medavie over the next three years as we work to create lasting change for youth mental health in Canada. With Medavie’s help, Jack.org’s young leaders will reach over 150,000 of their peers through mental health awareness, education and advocacy initiatives this coming school year alone. Together, they’re building a Canada where all young people understand how to take care of their own mental health and look out for each other and where all those who need support get the help they deserve. With thousands of young leaders across every province and territory in Canada, we’re only just getting started. ”

Eric Windeler, Founder & Executive Director, Jack.org

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.