CYVAC 2022
In 2022, YIV hosted the second iteration of the global Canada Youth Visual Art Contest to create greater humanitarian impacts while fostering artistic talent and global connectivity.
Artists ages 5-23 created submissions along the themes of “Climate Change” and “Love and Care," aiming to invoke an awakening of new hopes and love for the world.
With 557 submissions from across 10 countries/regions, along with $17,000 raised for BC Children's Hospital, we thank everyone who courageously submitted their artwork and came to support the event!
CHARITY CONTRIBUTIONS
This year, YIV partnered with BC Children’s Hospital Foundation to bolster healthcare, with values of caring, leading, and learning together. On top of garnering over $5,000 from submissions, over the course of the event, $17,000+ CAD was raised for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Thank you to everyone for their kindness and generosity.
BC CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION FEATURE STORIES
Based on our past newsletters, learn more about the development of our contest and hear about the impact of our charity partner.
BC CHILDREN’S TALKS SUICIDE PREVENTION: TAKE A MINUTE, REACH OUT, CHANGE A LIFE
Apr 11, 2023
The immense load of stress, anxiety and fear lay heavy on many teenagers’ shoulders. Which is why death by suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst youth. In conversation with Dr. Tyler Black, a psychiatrist at BC Children’s Hospital and a specialist in suicide, he emphasizes the significance of extending a hand to someone who may need help.
CULTURALLY SAFE, CLOSE TO HOME
May 4, 2022
Even today, many barriers are apparent when accessing care in remote Indigenous communities. Many of these conflicts stem from systemic oppression and racism, plus the aftermaths of colonialism. Although, Indigenous Care Coordinator and social workers like Hali McLennan and Dimicia Speck provide coaching to providers about engaging with Indigenous communities and giving service that is appropriate for the patient’s needs.
The BC Children’s Compass program encourages youths to attend cultural ceremonies as part of their treatment. Dimicia states that, “Being able to bring culturally safe care and practices to youth and their families living in remote Indigenous communities is the most important thing we can do in order to provide better care to Indigenous youth.”
While BC Children’s Hospital specializes in providing care for all of the lower mainland, it is working to include patients from remote or Indigenous communities.
In want of more outreach, BC Children’s Compass program was created as a virtual consultation program. It grants social workers, nurses and physicians opportunity to assist Indigenous youths with potential mental illnesses and substance use concerns. It is also open to community care providers (Indigenous Elders or youth workers) who provide support for young adults in these rural communities.
BCCHF & MYHEARTSMAP
May 23, 2022
A BC Children’s Hospital study found that 2/3 of children and youth in BC had faced mild to moderate mental health challenges during the pandemic. This was a notable increase compared before the pandemic, where only one-third of children displayed similar concerns. With the rising need for mental help and guidance, BC Children’s Physician Dr. Quynh Doan leads the development of MyHEARTSMAP.
MyHEARTSMAP is an online questionnaire that provides a list of probing questions to find out more about a child’s circumstances and provide them with appropriate resources. The purpose of the app, Doan says, is, “We get MyHEARTSMAP into Canadian households and for kids to identify issues so they can access resources early.”
The tool has 10 sections that gets kids or caregivers to reflect on their circumstances. Aspects of these questions can include home life, school work and relationships. Answers range from 0 to 3, corresponding to the degree of challenge one feels in that section.
The feedback on MyHEARTSMAP is positive. BC Children’s nurses have said that the tool opened many conversations and a chance to thoroughly find the root of the problem. It gives us promising hope that with improved relationships and support, we and BC Children’s Hospital can make a difference to both the physical and mental health of youth – a predominant challenge today.
UNLOCKING DIAGNOSES AND CURES FOR CANCER
June 22, 2022
2022 marked the launch of new stem cell research technology at BC Children’s Hospital. Thanks to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation donors, this new research equipment quickens the discovery of cures for fatal childhood illnesses, including cancer. The technology is already uncovering genetic causes of heart disease in children.
“Every day, our research teams are working hard to understand the genetic causes of heart arrhythmias and find the best treatment options for children at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest,” says Dr. Shubhayan Sanatani, Head, Division of Cardiology. Dr. Sanatani also expresses that the equipment propels scientists and researchers to find the best, most specialized treatment for younger patients with serious diseases.
The new equipment from STEMCELL Technologies was custom-built, which makes it the first and only technology of its kind, and one that reduces potential human error.