Earlier this month, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) confirmed it has
secured short-term funding from a private donor that will allow The Art
Studios, a program for people with mental illness, to remain open until at
least March 31, 2014.
“This is an excellent
example of how different types of mental health services within our health care
system can be supported by partnering with others. It means VCH can focus
resources on direct care services, and The Art Studios can continue its work of
supporting those with mental illness,” says Andrew MacFarlane, director of
mental health and addictions at VCH-Vancouver.
The Art Studios is a
rehabilitation and recovery program that uses various types of art as a
therapeutic activity for youth, adults and older adults who live with serious
and persistent mental illness—primarily schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or
clinical depression.
The program was
expected to close in August as a result of a funding review by VCH. However,
VCH worked to secure an external donor interested in supporting the program
until March 31, 2014, when a long-term funding plan could be put in place. The
donor wishes to remain anonymous.
While this short-term
funding will provide stakeholders of The Art Studios with additional time to
source funding alternatives and plan for the facility’s future, there will be
no additional funding from VCH.
The anonymous donor grant
will flow through the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and reflects the
foundation’s broader commitment to support programs and services beyond those
traditionally found in an acute care hospital setting.
“The Foundation is
very grateful for this donation and act of leadership in the community, to
provide the ongoing funding needed to sustain this important and meaningful
program for people struggling with mental health issues,” says Barbara
Grantham, president & CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.
Part of the agreement
with the donor is that The Art Studios will remain at its current location,
2005 East 44th Ave. in Vancouver, until at least March 31,
2014.
-Source: VCH News- July 30, 2013
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