CMHA receives grant to assist those in need during COVID-19 pandemic

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

In early March, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peel Dufferin, in association with Telus, developed a mobile clinic on wheels to service Peel Region with much-needed healthcare assistance.

The mobile clinic is an expansion of Telus' partnership with CMHA Peel Dufferin and the company's Health for Good initiative. 

Telus Health for Good program is dedicated to assisting 235,000 Canadians experiencing homelessness each year, and those facing mental health and addiction issues. Health care providers are able to deliver much needed care for those who are vulnerable; especially during these difficult times. 

“At Telus, the core of our passionate social purpose is our commitment to enabling better outcomes for our fellow Canadians,” said Jill Schnarr, Vice President, Corporate Citizenship at Telus. “We believe that everyone should have access to healthcare when and where they need it, regardless of their socio-economic status, which is why we have committed $10 million to expand our Telus Health for Good program to communities across Canada over the next five years.”

She added, “We are proud and excited to provide these much-needed services to Peel Region alongside our dedicated partner, CMHA Peel Dufferin Branch.” 

To further these efforts, Telus has given CMHA Peel Dufferin a grant of $25,000 to help continue their work amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant will allow the organization to distribute food and provide healthcare services to vulnerable Canadians during the ongoing crisis. 

Due to the COVID-19 concerns, all healthcare matters at CMHA have transitioned to remote delivery services. 

“Bringing the Mobile Clinic, powered by Telus Health to Peel Region is great news not only for those unable to receive primary care or addictions care due to access barriers, but also for those hesitant to seek out mainstream services due to stigma,” said CEO of CMHA, David Smith in a recent news release. “Now these ‘at-risk' members of the community will have access to the healthcare they need via the Mobile Health Clinic at one of the daily clinic sites throughout Peel,” 

The Telus Friendly Future Foundation recently announced a whopping donation of $250,000 to various community healthcare leaders across Canada in response to COVID-19. The funding is to assist with COVID-19 assessments, temporary isolation shelters, as well as cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment. The initiative was created to build enhanced public health initiatives for the youth through technology programs. 

In addition to the grant, Telus is also providing CMHA with 100 mobile devices included with prepaid wireless plans for those in isolation who are in need the ability to connect with loved ones. This connects to the Mobility for Good COVID-19 Emergency program through Telus.

“The Telus team is deeply committed to keeping our country's most vulnerable citizens safe and connected during this health emergency,” said President and CEO of Telus, Darren Entwistle. “Working with our partners, we have expanded our Mobility for Good program to ensure those most impacted by COVID-19, including isolated hospital patients and long-term care residents, have access to the devices and service needed to stay in touch with healthcare professionals and importantly, with their loved ones during what is often a lonely and overwhelming time in their lives.”

He added, “No one should feel alone or disconnected, and it is a privilege for our team to be able to create a vital human connection for those members of our community who are most in need of our care and assistance.” 

For more information about what other initiatives and programs Telus is providing for Canadians, please visit telus.com.