Mental health challenges affect all of us—parents, children, neighbours, colleagues, and friends. Whether it’s a new mother facing post-partum depression, a teen in crisis, a senior struggling with dementia, or a neighbour overwhelmed by anxiety—we see them. These stories are part of our community.
Mental health is health. And right now, our region is in crisis. At Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH), we care for more than 1,700 mental health patients every year. That’s about three people in crisis every single day. But despite the growing need, our hospital isn’t equipped or funded to provide acute mental health care.
Instead, patients in crisis must be transferred to hospitals in other communities, and when those beds are full – sometimes even further away.
But here’s the reality: those beds are often full. That means patients are left waiting at GBGH, sometimes for days. Not getting the care they urgently need. Not in the environment they deserve. And not with the dignity or compassion that every person in crisis should receive.
This delay is heartbreaking. It’s time for change.
Click below to SEE the challenges and how you can help bring acute mental health care to GBGH.