New Westminster, B.C. – {May 14, 2026} – Co-operators is deepening its commitment to mental health care at Royal Columbian Hospital with an additional $150,000 gift. This latest funding will support the hospital’s Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic and brings Co-operators’ total support for the Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre to $250,000.
Located within the Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre, the Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic provides specialized care for youth aged 13 to 17 who are living with conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The clinic connects young patients and their families with multidisciplinary teams focused on assessment, treatment, and ongoing support during a critical stage of development.
“Support like this helps ensure young people can access timely, specialized mental health care in an environment designed for their needs,” says Jeff Norris, President and CEO of Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation. “We are grateful to Co-operators for their continued investment in mental health and for helping to strengthen care for patients and families across our region.”
Since opening in 2020, the Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre has brought together inpatient and outpatient services in a modern, purpose-built setting that supports patient-centred care, privacy, and recovery. The facility expanded access to specialized programs, including services tailored to children, youth, and older adults.
This commitment was championed by a dedicated group of Co-operators advisors who helped lead and support the initiative, including Valerie Georgescu, Gerry Golfinopoulos (G&G Insurance Agency Ltd.), Bethany Heppner (Bethany Heppner & Associates Ltd.), Judy Laban (Hamilton insurance services BC Ltd.), and Colin Melnyk (Melnyk Financial Planning and Investments Ltd.), along with insurance agencies Aldergrove Insurance, Comox Valley Insurance, David Livesey & Associates Inc., Stokholm Insurance Services Ltd., Vandeven Financial Solutions Ltd., Westview Agencies Ltd. (WAL), and WH Financial Services Ltd. Through their collective leadership, Co-operators corporate support, and commitment to community wellbeing, they have helped strengthen access to specialized mental health care for young people and families across the region.
“Because of my experience with my mom’s mental health and her struggles, I think no one should face mental health challenges alone,” says Solvi Stokholm, owner of Stokholm Insurance Services Ltd., Co-operators. “I am passionate to help strengthen programs that provide care and support when it matters most.”
In British Columbia, one in five people will experience a mental health challenge or illness in any given year. Investments in facilities like the Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre help ensure care teams have the environment and resources needed to support patients with compassion and expertise.
About Royal Columbian Hospital
As BC’s most comprehensive critical care hospital, one in three British Columbians rely on Royal Columbian Hospital. We are the only hospital in BC with trauma, cardiac, neurosciences, high-risk obstetrics and neonatal intensive care on one site. We look after some of the most seriously ill and injured patients, and we do it with the support of donors like you.
Since 1978, donors to Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation have helped fund priority equipment needs, facility enhancements, research, education and innovation at Royal Columbian Hospital. Visit rchfoundation.com for more information.
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For more information, please contact:
Jason Howe Vice President, Marketing and Communications
C: 236.332.0798
Jason.Howe@fraserhealth.ca