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The Pantry Program

Russell Robicheau

Nowadays more than ever, the work done by the Outpatient Community Mental Health & Addiction Program is vital for our community. Russell Robicheau (Manager of Southwest Outpatient Adult, Child & Adolescent Clinics) spoke with us to discuss some of the challenges in their work – and an interesting way that the foundation was able to help.

As Russell explains, “Dr. Sara Bartel is one of our doctoral psychologists, and she works with folks with complex eating disorders. Sometimes part of that treatment means they need to eat a meal in front of her as part of their exposure work, and our patients are expected to bring in the food. But sometimes they’ll come in on the day and say, “I just didn’t really have money to afford that”.”

Seeing the need experienced by many of their patients is impactful for the team at the clinic. “People carry shame about being in a precarious financial situation,” says Russell. “And it’s impossible to provide effective mental health treatment for folks when their everyday life is so significantly impacted. So, we got a grant through the foundation to start our pantry program.”

The Yarmouth Hospital Foundation was happy to step in and help, all thanks to our generous donors. Two pantries were installed (one at the adult clinic, and one at the children’s clinic), enabling patients to access food when they need it – either for use during treatment at the clinic or just to bring home. “We keep the pantry fully stocked every week. If our patients are at an appointment with one of their clinical therapists or with a psychiatrist, they can open the cupboard and grab what they need on their way. Often, they’re malnourished, or they had to skip lunch to afford the drive over here, so they’re able to have a bit of sustenance and keep their body fully nourished. Then they’re able to focus on what needs to be done.”

One of the two pantries.

But even a pantry has its limits. Russell tells us more. “We also received a grant for $10,000 from the foundation to provide grocery gift cards for people who are unable to afford the food needed as part of their treatment (which happens a home, and includes three meals a day with high protein, etc.). Our goal is usually to get our patients to gain weight, especially when they’re significantly underweight and at risk of being hospitalized. But often, with the cost of groceries being what it is, they’re unable to do it. So, we will give an average of $800 per client in grocery gift cards for the full duration of treatment. It’s been a huge benefit.”

Russell is proud of the work done in his department. “I want people who really need mental health assessment and treatment to be able to access it and not have their financial situation hinder them. So, if we can help with the pantry or by providing the grocery cards for the people on the eating disorder treatment plan, we can just do that. And the foundation has been instrumental, we wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”

A True ‘Run for Good’

Here at the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation, we’re always thrilled to see local organizations as excited about supporting and enhancing our regional hospital as we are. So, this spring, our hearts were warmed to hear about the Run for Good 5K, organized by Boatskeg Distilling, Strong Tides Crossfit, and Apollo Sport & Wellness Centre. The run’s proceeds went to us here at the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation, specifically to be put towards the Inpatient Recreation Therapy program at our regional hospital.

This program aims to support individuals mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually by aiding in accessing recreation/leisure activity. As co-organizer Jocelyne Deon said “We wanted to try and help with mental health — it touches everyone.” And mental health is a huge component in recreation therapy! As recreation therapist Emily Jackson explains, “The program uses recreation and leisure to support motivation, overall mood, self-esteem, and social connection by providing purpose and quality of life.”

With just under 70 runners signed up, the Run for Good 5K was a popular one for the local running community as well, and the bright and sunny weather only added to the great vibes. Door prizes were given out, and many enjoyed a few drinks after the run when they headed to the nearby Boatskeg Distillery (with portions of the drinks’ proceeds also going to the Inpatient Recreation Therapy program).

“The recent donation has a big impact on the program,” Emily Jackson went on to say. “We have implemented a garden space at one of the hospital entrances, and this donation helped us purchase supplies for the patients to connect with the outdoors and gardening. Each day the recreation therapy team brings patients to the space to care for the garden and enjoy some sunshine!”

When the community comes together to support healthcare, we all win. And thanks to gracious community partners such as by Boatskeg Distilling, Strong Tides Crossfit and Apollo Sport & Wellness Centre, the staff at our regional hospital can feel truly supported.

 

 

$150,000in grants for healthcare initiatives in the Tri-Counties

Yarmouth Hospital Foundation boosts healthcare initiatives across the Tri-Counties

The Yarmouth Hospital Foundation has awarded grants totaling $150,000 to 11 organizations to aid in their mission to promote healthcare in the Tri-County area.

The grants are the first to be awarded by the Healthcare Enhancement Endowment (HEE) Committee, which was formed to develop eligibility criteria and oversee the Commitment to Healthcare Community Fund.

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