During a symbolic Bell “Let’s Talk Day” flag raising ceremony in front of Laval City Hall on Jan. 25, Bell announced a $200,000 donation to the Cité de la Santé Foundation for the improvement of psychiatric facilities at the hospital.
According to a statement issued by Bell, the contribution will be entirely dedicated to an ongoing refurbishment of the psychiatric unit at Cité de la Santé. The project will reorganize, upgrade and improve the spaces used at the unit. More specifically, it will:
- Integrate a psychiatric intensive care unit, including the addition of seven extra beds for high-risk patients;
- Integrate a psychiatric crisis intervention care unit, where currently provided services will continue;
- And renovate and upgrade all inpatient and psychiatric units, including the West Wing, which provides physical care.
“A day like this reminds us of the importance of talking about mental health, something that should be addressed all year round,” said Quebec Minister Responsible for Social Services Lionel Carmant, one of several dignitaries who took part in the ceremony.
“In this regard, I welcome Bell’s initiative and the donation made to the Cité de la Santé Foundation. There is no doubt that these funds will contribute to improving psychiatric care in the Laval region. The accessibility of mental health services and care must be improved for the entire population. Our government is making this a priority.”
“We welcome Bell’s support for mental health,” said André Malacket, Executive Director of the Cité de la Santé Foundation.
“Access to mental health care is a major challenge, and this addition is a practical solution to improve the situation,” said Pierre Rodrigue, vice-president Québec Affairs at Bell. “Too many people experiencing mental health issues do not receive the care they need. Let’s change this.”
