Supporting pediatric emergency and mental health care in Atlantic Canada with the IWK Foundation
Healthcare is a critical investment in any community’s well-being. BMO’s longstanding investments in the health sector spans support for innovation, preventative care, emergency response and the overall positive health outcomes for society, across all demographics from coast to coast.
To boost support for pediatric healthcare in Atlantic Canada, BMO has donated $750,000 to IWK Foundation, a public, not-for-profit organization that raises funds for specialized care for women, children and youth from across the Maritime provinces. This gift will help to ensure the highest quality of care for the children, youth and families who depend on the IWK Health Centre.
$500,000 from the donation will be invested in the IWK Emergency Department (ED) redevelopment to transform pediatric emergency care. As the only accredited level-one pediatric trauma centre east of Quebec, the IWK ED has supported patients and families across the Maritimes for almost 40 years. The department has outgrown its current space and infrastructure and continues to experience record-breaking patient visits. BMO’s investment in the IWK ED redevelopment will help build a new state-of-the-art department, double in size, that meets the evolving needs of patients and families. This purpose-built design will better streamline care and complement the world-class expertise of the IWK’s emergency team.
The remaining $250,000 will be invested in the Integrated Youth Services-Nova Scotia (IYS-NS) to improve access to mental health services for youth across Nova Scotia. IYS-NS—an initiative to remove barriers and improve access to mental health and wellness services for youth in Nova Scotia. IYS-NS will provide youth ages 12 to 25 with free, rapid access to health and wellness resources, programs and services within one location. Services will be coordinated and offered by trusted community-based organizations under the leadership of IWK Health.
IYS-NS site locations have been announced across the province, designed to connect youth and their caregivers with the right support, at the right time, close to home. These sites will offer immediate support without fees or appointments, ultimately reducing the need for families to travel outside of their communities for mental health and addictions care.
Leaders from IWK Foundation and BMO announcing the gift.
“At BMO we have a long-standing legacy of investing in the communities we serve and the organizations that sustain them. We are proud to support the IWK Foundation’s pediatric emergency and mental health care for youth in Atlantic Canada. There is a critical need for healthcare services in our communities and we are here to support young people across the Maritimes and to help drive progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and an inclusive society.”
– Karla McCarthy
Head, Corporate Finance, Atlantic, BMO
“For over 37 years, we are so proud that BMO has been investing in the future of Maritime children and youth who rely on the IWK. Today, they are furthering their impact and helping to transform both pediatric emergency care and community mental health and wellness services through their investment in Integrated Youth Services-Nova Scotia (IYS-NS). We are so grateful for BMO’s generous support of our children and youth, ensuring they receive the best possible care when they need it most. Children make up 25 per cent of our population but they are 100 per cent of our future. Thank you, BMO, for your dedication to, and belief in, our region’s future.”
– Jennifer Gillivan
President & CEO, IWK Foundation
BMO is committed to supporting youth mental health and promoting inclusive access to healthcare. BMO and the IWK Foundation are committed to changing the course of emergency mental health and addictions care for generations to come.
