In 2022, inspired by the community’s desire to improve mental health care, the KGH Foundation launched the We See You campaign. The call to action focused on raising funds for two urgent mental health care priorities: addressing immediate program needs of local providers, and investing in long-term, system-level change. The campaign was an unprecedented success, and funds were immediately distributed to community service agencies including CMHA Kelowna, the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, and more.

 Donations also supported a review of the barriers to working as a mental health system of care. Guided by a review of the many strategies and plans from all levels of government, expert research, and input from over 30 social sector leaders, the findings identified key priorities—stronger coordination among service providers, deeper trust between sectors, and a strategic shift toward prevention of illness and crisis. It was from this shared vision that Thrive Okanagan was born. 

Thrive Okanagan’s driving mission is to support the system changes needed in local mental health care by facilitating collaboration and community-led solutions focused on prevention. To guide this work, the initiative developed a Mental Well-Being Goal Framework for the Central Okanagan, facilitated gatherings for multi-sector collaboration, and seeded new community led initiatives. 

Projects in year one included Community Disaster Planning to strengthen climate and emergency response for vulnerable groups, an Intimate Partner Violence research trial integrating child-centered supports, a youth dating violence study exploring technology based prevention, youth mental health services mapping, and a primary care and immigrant services prototype co-designing clear care pathways for newcomers.

By bringing together emergency services, local government, health providers, Indigenous partners and non-profit agencies, these pilots tackled service gaps, reduced duplication, and built the foundation for a more resilient, inclusive support system. 

Early momentum has led to promising funding partnerships, including a $40,000 commitment from the Central Okanagan Divisions of Family Practice and meaningful engagement from funders like Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union. 

Shelagh Turner, who is well-known for her leadership and impact in the mental health care community, has been engaged as a lead since its inception. 

“I am really optimistic. This is vital, foundational work,” says Shelagh. “Thrive Okanagan is about catalyzing trust, collaboration, and building a shared vision of the future where well-being is the norm, not the exception. We are deeply grateful to KGH Foundation donors and the community for believing in the possibility of better mental health care in our community.” 

To learn more about Thrive Okanagan, visit thriveokanagan.ca.