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Atlas Ruth's Story

Atlas Ruth (she/her), age 22, has been an advocate for mental health care since she was a child. “Originally, I began speaking up about mental illness because I have struggled with my own mental health for as long as I can remember. To put it simply, I’ve never felt ‘okay’ in my own head and knew that my brain didn’t work the same way that everyone else’s did.”    Frequently described as, “a mature child” Atlas remembers the pain of feeling alone with her problems. “I...

Lifting Spirits with Halloween Baking

For as long as they can remember, Hallie and Josie, now high school seniors, have found baking to be a helpful way to exercise their creativity and manage both academic and life-related stress. Together, they choose new recipes and love the opportunity to connect, laugh and anticipate upcoming holidays. Treats often go to friends and others in need of a boost which spreads the good feelings, and icing, even further. Recently the two met, and were joined by siblings, to make easy and delicious Halloween...

The RBC Race for the Kids

The RBC Race for the Kids brings participants together, virtually, to raise funds for mental health care and research in Eastern Ontario and around the world. Thanks to dedicated partnerships with RBC and Accora Village, funds raised through the RBC Race for the Kids will be matched up to $50,000, helping to facilitate access to care and create safe places for children and youth to find their way. Register today and go further for youth mental health from now until October...

1Call1Click.ca: Finding the right mental health care for kids and youth just got a lot easier

OTTAWA — Today, the Kids Come First Health Team officially launched 1Call1Click.ca, a unique service in Canada that makes it easier for children, youth and families of Eastern Ontario to find the care they need for mental health and addiction.

The 1Call1Click.ca initiative coordinates more than 20 organizations offering mental health and addiction care for children, youth and their families — addressing a need that families and Kids Come First Health Team partners across the region have often highlighted.

"The...

Donation a 'game-changer' for Ottawa child and youth mental health

(Ottawa Citizen article, originally posted on Tuesday, October 06, 2020)

A $1.5-million donation from the RBC Foundation is being called a game-changer in creating an innovative system that will make it easier for children and youth in the Ottawa region to get access to the right mental health and addictions services.

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