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Dr. Raquel Dias, research associate and Text4Support program manager, displays Text4Support messages.

$171,000

REACHED TO EXPAND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH TEXT4SUPPORT

When it comes to mental health care services, reducing barriers to access is crucial. And 540 QEII Foundation donors, including a $100,000 gift from Canada Life Assurance Company, made that possible. An e-Mental health tool, Text4Support sends automated, daily text messages to Nova Scotians. It’s a prime example of how philanthropy can unlock access to innovative programs and services when patients need them most.

I believe Text4Support can contribute to revolutionizing mental health care in our province. Along with other e-Mental health resources, it will help reduce the number of people coming to emergency departments or being admitted to hospital because they have better access to support. That’s an incredible gift from the QEII Foundation donor community. – Dr. Vincent Agyapong

Dr. Vincent Agyapong, Nova Scotia Health chief of psychiatry (Central Zone) and head of psychiatry at Dalhousie University

By giving patients accessible, innovative tools like Text4Support, that they can use anytime, anywhere, it can help decrease anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Each message is crafted by a mental health expert specific to a patient’s diagnosis and complements the care they receive through Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions programs.  

Text4Support was initially a research study launched in 2022, assessing the effectiveness of a supportive daily text in reducing a patient’s symptoms and increasing overall recovery and well-being. Now it is available to more Nova Scotians. The ability to offer the tool to even more patients — beyond the initial study — is a direct result of donor generosity.