As of October 17, the recreational use of cannabis is now legal in Canada. Canada joins Uruguay, the first country to have legalized cannabis, and several U.S. states in taking a public health approach to manage cannabis production and use. In legalizing cannabis, the Government of Canada is taking a bold step in ending the criminalization of people who use cannabis, lessening the burden on the courts, blunting the impact of organized crime, and improving the health of Canadians by regulating and enhancing the quality and safety of the cannabis products they are consuming.
Youth, families seeking wrap around services at Foundry Kelowna
Integrated youth centre marks one year in the community
The barriers between youth and the wellness they want to achieve are being dismantled – one visit at a time. This week marks a full year since Foundry Kelowna opened its doors and in that time more than 1,500 youth have come looking for help.
Foundry Kelowna is a centre that works with youth aged 12 – 24 to get the help they need. “There are 25 partner agencies working together, as seamlessly as we can, to reduce the burden young people can feel when they are looking for help,” explains Foundry Kelowna Manager, Melissa Feddersen. “When a youth walks through our doors it’s a safe and welcoming environment where they only have to tell their story once. That means getting help is less traumatic and less frustrating.” The integrated care model at Foundry Kelowna also means less wait times because the onsite partner agencies can connect youth to counsellors, physicians, income assistance, housing, and employment services.
Fourth time the best round for Orchard Park Shopping Centre mental health fundraiser
Primaris’ Orchard Park Shopping Centre tee’ed off for mental health in Kelowna, raising a record $115,000. The annual tournament drives home the importance of mental health, this year drawing in 136 golfers to once again fundraise for Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna.
This was the 4th year of the event that has now raised more than $347,000 for local mental health programs and services at CMHA Kelowna.