More culturally appropriate and accessible mental health care
In March 2024, GreenShield Cares announced a $200,000 donation to mental health centers. This funding will support the training of the clinic's staff and students to strengthen its ability to serve a diverse clientele, including refugees, newcomers to Canada, First Nations and members of the African Nova Scotian community. This strengthens the accessibility and delivery of care and helps build stronger, healthier communities.
“We are proud to support Dalhousie’s Center for Psychological Health, allowing it to customize and expand programs and services for communities seeking equity,” Girard says.
Dalhousie President Dr. Kim Brooks said GreenShield's donation will help the clinic address evolving mental health needs through the services and support it provides. “The communities that Dalhousie serves through our clinics are becoming increasingly diverse, and we want to ensure that the care we provide is appropriate and accessible,” says Dr. Brooks. . “We are excited that GreenShield shares our vision and will help us achieve our goals.”
The Dalhousie Center for Psychological Health, located at Fenwick Medical Center in Halifax's south end, provides mental health care and addiction services to underserved populations of all ages. We have a particular focus on serving low-income clients and disadvantaged communities and groups, including people who identify as Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, or 2SLGBTQ+. Children who are or have been in care. And the newcomers.
“GreenShield’s gift will allow the center to continue to grow and build on its early successes,” said Dr. Chuck McDonald, Dean of Science. “The impact of this generosity will be felt in Dar, the local community and beyond.”
The generous impact of GreenShield and the training it supports is especially important for students who: Clinical Psychology Program in the Department of Psychological and Neuroscience. They provide center services under the supervision of a registered clinical psychologist. Dr. Shannon Johnson, co-director of the center, said this will give students the opportunity to work with underserved populations during their practicum, something that has traditionally been limited. It was a great opportunity.
“Our students are passionate about supporting diverse clients and building knowledge and experience about people with different backgrounds and identities,” said Johnson, associate professor and director of clinical training in the Department of Psychological and Neuroscience. says the doctor. Psychology doctoral program.
“Thanks to GreenShield’s generous support, we are now able to offer a wealth of new clinical training opportunities to students on their path to becoming clinical psychologists. and provide more accessible mental health care.”
Patrick Hickey, a second-year clinical psychology doctoral student, said he's glad he didn't have to leave the state to get this experience. More importantly, “we can already see the impact we are having on our clients by making psychological support more accessible, comprehensive and timely. It will not only be beneficial for me, but also for me and my fellow students as they prepare to become clinical psychologists.”
Bridging the gap in dental care
GreenShield also supports Dalhousie's efforts to make oral care more accessible to Nova Scotia residents. In May 2023, GreenShield donated $500,000 to Dalhousie School of Dentistry to provide more care services to those who need it most in the Halifax region.
“Outreach is central to Dalhousie's role as an educational institution and our efforts as a city university,” says Dr. Ben Davis, dean of the School of Dentistry. We are all about health, and like all of us, we are working to close this gap in Canada's health care system. ”
To recognize GreenShield’s commitment to improving access to care in Dalhousie, a mural will be installed in the dental clinic to promote oral healing and improve the clinic environment.
Greenshield also attended a private screening of “Me and My Teeth,” a short film by Anna Quong (BA'89) that highlights the similarities between mental health and dental health.
gain power
With support from GreenShield, the School of Science and School of Dentistry are moving toward the goal of providing more accessible care. The dental industry is using this funding to cover further treatment costs for priority patients at several outreach clinics. This care is provided in collaboration with community partners including: Nova Scotia Immigration Services Association and Nelson Winder Elementary School in North Preston. Dalhousie Mental Health Center partners with community organizations to identify those most in need of its services.
“Through Dal's legal aid, dental and social work clinics, we have seen the positive impact that community clinics like this can have,” Dr. Johnson says. “This clinic will build on that. Every gift we receive and every relationship we build with community organizations is a great way to reach and support all Nova Scotians in need of mental health care.” and that means a stronger, healthier community.”
