Private donor comes to art program’s rescue
Earlier this month, 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.
Was scheduled to close
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.