$20-Million to Support Mental Health Research

February 21, 2005

VANCOUVER - The BC Liberal government will seek legislative approval for a $10-million contribution to help establish three new research chairs and a new Institute of Mental Health at the University of B.C.

The proposed funding from the BC Liberal government would match a $10-million private gift to UBC, for a total investment of $20 million to put B.C. at the forefront of mental health research, training and policy. The gift to UBC – the largest ever for mental health research in Canada – was made by a close friend of the university who wishes to remain anonymous

“Mental illness has a profound impact on all of us as a province, but most of all on those who struggle to overcome it in their own lives,” said Premier Gordon Campbell. “Through the opportunity to match this generous private donation, we can draw on the exceptional research capacity of UBC to better understand the causes of mental illness, develop better treatments, and reduce its impact on families, communities, and our economy.”

“The generosity of this very special friend of UBC will give a very special impetus to research into illnesses that impact all of our families and all of our communities,” said UBC president Martha Piper.

With the $20 million, UBC plans to:

  • Create three $5-million endowments to support research chairs in child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry and depression, and psychotherapy.
  • Use the $5-million balance for fellowships, junior faculty positions, and support for communicating research and clinical findings to clinicians and mental health professionals.

“This will ensure that mental health continues to be given the priority it deserves,” said Brenda Locke, minister of state for mental health and addiction services. “This truly is a happy day for everyone involved in the mental health community.”

The BC Liberal government invests an estimated $1.043 billion in mental health and addiction services across B.C.’s health system, an increase of $188 million since 2000/01. In 2002, the Province dedicated $138 million to build new mental health facilities across B.C., with new centres now open in Terrace, Kamloops and Prince George.
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