The Canadian Mental Health Association’s MOBYSS bus program—which brings mobile mental health services to youth in York Region—is getting a boost from George Rappos, a local Desjardins agent.
Rappos donated $10,000 to CMHA York Region South Simcoe, with the funds supporting MOBYSS.
“We’re proud of the work that the CMHA here in York Region do,” he said.
Rappos said he used to donate to mental health initiatives through United Way but in 2020, he opted to focus his support locally. This is the second year he has given $10,000 specifically to the mobile program for youth.
Mental health is health, Rappos said, adding, “There’s mental illness in my family, just like there is in many families.”
He said he thinks it's especially important for children and teenagers to get help when they are young.
According to CMHA, Canada has the third highest youth suicide rate in the industrialized world. Mental disorders in youth are also the second highest hospital care expenditure in Canada, second only to injuries.
The organization also said that in Canada, only one in five children who need mental health services actually receive them.
"Eighty per cent of Ontarians believe we'll be in a serious mental health crisis post-pandemic, and there is understandable concern our youth will be among the hardest hit," said Rebecca Shields, CEO at CMHA-YRSS "We thank and applaud George Rappos, local Desjardins agent, for his donation, vision and commitment to supporting the mental health of youth in our community at a time when they need it most."
Rappos is planning to further his support of local health initiatives in the new year and will be launching an initiative with other insurance agents called “Insuring our Future" in the spring.