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Youth mental-health program gets $10,000 boost

Donation from Abbotsford-Matsqui Rotary Club
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Mike Welte (third from left) of the Abbotsford-Matsqui Rotary Club presents a $10,000 cheque to (from left) Dr. Onome Agbahovbe, Shannon White and Rubyna Tatlock from the EPI program, Liz Harris from the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, and Mike Kenyon of the EPI program.

The Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program at Abbotsford Regional Hospital has received $10,000 to operate their summer program, thanks to the support of the Abbotsford-Matsqui Rotary Club.

The club donated proceeds from its annual Wine and Beer Festival, held earlier this year at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre.

The EPI program serves those ages 13 to 30 – and their families – who have emerging psychotic disorders.

The purpose is to increase understanding, decrease stigma, and provide direct and sustained clinical treatment during the early years of illness.

The program also bridges child and youth mental health services and adult services, as well as linking services between hospital and community.

“The early years are considered the most critical period in determining the course and prognosis of the illness and when recovery can be most influenced,” said Rubyna Tatlock, clinical co-ordinator of the EPI program.

Said Mike Welte, president of the Abbotsford-Matsqui Rotary Club: “We are happy to make a difference in these young people’s lives, and hope others will feel the need to help these young individuals that are struggling.”

Donations to the program can be made online at fvhcf.ca, through email at info@fvhcf.ca or by calling 877-661-0314.

Visit earlypsychosis.ca for more information about the EPI program.