St. Paul’s Foundation announced today that Scotiabank has made a $2 million donation in support of youth transition programs at St. Paul’s. This gift supports health care in British Columbia for young people with serious health issues who are transitioning from pediatric to adult care. By expanding existing youth outreach programs, the project will provide a more comprehensive model of care for this vulnerable patient population.
In recognition of the significant impact this gift will have on future generations of British Columbians, St. Paul’s is honoured to name the program, the Scotiabank Youth Transition Program. This generous gift builds on Scotiabank’s longstanding relationship with St. Paul’s Foundation and continues their 187-year legacy of investing in our communities.
“Scotiabank and its employees are committed to helping young people in the community reach their infinite potential, by investing in the complete picture of their development,” said Lesly Tayles, Senior Vice President, BC & Yukon Region, at Scotiabank. “We are proud to be a partner in this transformative project to help young people stay healthy and thrive at such a critical point in their life.”
Young people in British Columbia with serious health issues typically transition from pediatric care to adult care at St. Paul’s Hospital, the provincial centre for highly-specialized programs relating to congenital heart disease, Cystic Fibrosis, kidney disease, organ transplants, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. The Scotiabank Youth Transition Program will expand current resources at St. Paul’s, providing far-reaching benefits for young people across BC.
“Transitioning from pediatric to adult care can be challenging for many young people. It brings the burden of new responsibilities – having to schedule and navigate appointments at various locations throughout the hospital or at outside clinics, while facing barriers like time off school or work, and expensive travel costs that can discourage youth from making their health care a priority,” said Dr. Jasmine Grewal, medical director, Pacific Adult Congenital Heart Program at St. Paul’s Hospital. “This gift will allow our incredible team at St. Paul’s to offer more workshops, mentorship, and resources – helping us to provide a more comprehensive wellness experience to youth during a challenging and pivotal time in their lives.”
Having an immediate and long-lasting impact on health care for young people in British Columbia, the Scotiabank Youth Transition Program is an example of the innovative, wraparound, patient-centred model of care that will create the foundation of the new St. Paul’s Hospital; integrated from the ground up.
“We are so grateful to Scotiabank for this generous donation,” said Dick Vollet, President and CEO, St. Paul’s Foundation. “As one of our longstanding supporters and partners, Scotiabank continues to play a fundamental role in helping St. Paul’s provide exceptional care to British Columbians. The Scotiabank Youth Transition Program is a strong example of the integrated, patient-centered model of care that is at the heart of the new St. Paul’s Hospital.”
The program will support youth, their families and caregivers, to ensure they have the skills and confidence to take control of their health as they age out of the children’s health care system by providing guidance and direction, and offering a well-defined, supportive pathway and care plan. For young people – especially those with serious health issues – not maintaining their continuum of care from the outset can have significant, life-altering consequences.
“St. Paul’s Hospital has historically played an important role in supporting vulnerable youth,” said Fiona Dalton, President and CEO, Providence Health Care. “An Inner City Youth Mental Health program was formed at St. Paul’s and became the genesis for BC’s very successful Foundry initiative and network. Scotiabank’s donation builds on these successes to support Providence in addressing the growing and evolving health needs of patients, families, and our communities throughout BC. This gift will have a significant impact on youth facing serious issues in British Columbia.”
Scotiabank has been the bank of record for St. Paul’s Foundation since 1987 and over the years, has made substantial contributions to the Scotiabank Feast of Fortune Gala, Lights of Hope, St. Paul’s heart and critical care programs, and Mount Saint Joseph Hospital.
To learn more about the Scotiabank Youth Transition Program at St. Paul’s Hospital, visit https://helpstpauls.com/promise/2023/scotiabank-youth-transition-program/.