OTMH launches $1.25M mental health campaign Right now, one in five Ontarians under age 18 are struggling with a mental health issue, but only a fraction of children and youths who need mental health services receive them. The Halton Healthcare Services (HHS) Navigator Program, however, is closing the gap for children and youths who need immediate care and the Oakville Hospital Foundation is asking the community for their support. The campaign to raise $1.25 million for the Navigator Program was launched Thursday on World Mental Health Day, at a Dinner with Doctors event with guest speaker Dr. Alan Brown, medical director of the HHS Mental Health Program. "At Halton Healthcare Services, we are committed to offering a continuum of care for children in need," said Brown. "Our vision is to ensure "nothing is missing" for children and youths struggling with mental health issues. This is why we have launched the Navigator Program, to help children and their families navigate through the health-care system." The introduction of navigators has transformed the way HHS is helping youths in the community. As children referred to the program are in desperate need of help, navigators immediately connect with a client -- with no wait times. Navigators offer hands-on support, connect them to appropriate services, and provide in-school support to children and their teachers. In the first 18 months of the program, two HHS navi- Dr. Alan Brown gators helped 78 youths get support. "The kids we see feel stuck and believe this is going to be their life," said Tina Heusser, one of two part-time navigators at HHS. "This is not a reflection of their ability. It is a reflection of the situation they are in. "The early success has meant a growing demand for services with limited access. Inadequate funding for our community has made Halton one of the most underfunded regions for mental health programs in Ontario. The Navigator Program receives no government funding, but thanks to the generosity of two private foundations, funding is within reach." For every $1 donated to the Navigator Campaign, it will trigger an additional $2.50 dollars from two generous foundations, the Mental Wellness Network and a private family foundation. The goal is to raise $1.25 million by December 2013 from the community. "Additional community funding is urgently needed to sustain this program," said Tina Triano, CEO of the Oakville Hospital Foundation. "Donations from Oakville residents plus our two generous matching gifts will enable us to grow the Navigator Program and help more children in crisis." 11 · Friday, October 12, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com THE NEW Michael G. DeGroote OPEN! THE FUTURE IS NOW. We have created a studentcentred learning environment to unleash the academic potential of all students in the College and to maximize the accomplishments and potential of our graduates. - Marc Ayotte, Head of College Senior School NOW Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for students from M3 and PK to Grade 12. Visit us at www.hsc.on.ca. We are accessible and affordable. Call Scott Barton 905-389-1367 EXPERIENCE THE HALTON VACUUM DIFFERENCE INTRODUCING a new line of quality vacuum cleaners CELEBRATING 55 YEARS! Emerald Anniversary Central Vacuum System · · · · 650 Air Watts of Cleaning Power Self-Cleaning Filter for ease of maintenance Serenity quiet operation 10 year motor warranty COMPLETE WITH BEAM'S BASIC POWERHEAD AND HOSE KIT... Eureka EnviroSteamer Uses steam to clean and sanitize hard surface floors without using harsh chemicals. from MAXIMUS CANISTER · 10 AMPS of power · HEPA filtration · Tools on board · Turbo carpet brush · 7 year motor warranty 650 $ $ Model #EL4200 sale 399 $ $499.99 99 $ only 699 99 $1249.00 Beam's Best Power Head And Hose Set. · Electric power head with height adjustment, easy swivel action, LED lights and quick release · Electric hose with 3 way switch and swivel handle · Premium small tools · Deluxe floor brush M.S.R.P. $579.99 ITEM # 012281 69 Special purchase from Eureka. #313A 99 Save 50% M.S.R.P. $139.99 Save 100 OFF M.S.R.P. $ Save 550 OFF M.S.R.P. SAVE $130.00 $ SALES · SERVICE · SELECTION · QUALITY BRANDS · INSTALLATION 449 TR AF AL GA RR D. 99 www.haltonvac.ca UP PE R (at Dundas), Oakville 905-257-6145 Beside Scotia Bank Mon.-Fri.10-5:30 Sat. 10-3, Sun. CLOSED Voted Best Vacuum Store Voted Best Since 1999 Customer Service DU ND AS ST .W . M ID DL ER D. E. Clean Starts HALTON'S TRUSTED FLOORHere! CARE SPECIALISTS! Trafalgar Ridge Shopping Centre 2379 Trafalgar 2379 Trafalgar Road Rd. (in the Winners/HomeSense plaza) DU ND AS ST .E . (905) 257-6145 N