Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) recently suffered a data security incident perpetrated by a cyber threat actor group. While investigations are ongoing, this continues to be a safe place to donate. Mghf.ca is a secure website and our donation pages encrypt donor information to safely transmit it to a third-party database. Learn more.
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health and wellness of all Canadians, but this is more pronounced in vulnerable populations, broadening an existing divide.
According to the Statistics Canada Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health, one in four Canadians over age 18 are reporting symptoms of mental illness, up from one in five in 2020. And Toronto’s east end has a higher prevalence of mental health issues than the city average.
Join us on February 22nd at 7:00 p.m. for an exclusive online event featuring experts from Michael Garron Hospital. This interactive panel discussion will explore challenges to mental health in our community and shine a light on how the money raised through Ride for Mind makes a difference.
The panel evening will be moderated by Toronto City Councillor of Beaches-East York, Brad Bradford, and include Adina Hauser, Kim Kurschinski and Dr. Susan MacKenzie. Learn more about our speakers below.
Register for the panel evening and learn more about the Ride for Mind event at RideForMind.ca.
Toronto City Councillor, Beaches - East York, Ward 19, and Principal of Toronto Hustle
Brad Bradford brings a pragmatic, non-partisan approach to local government, supporting community-led change as City Councillor for Beaches East-York. He has a background in urban planning which help inform his work leading on the community's top priorities: improving road safety, expanding and improving transit, and revitalizing our main streets. Brad's also a founding member of Toronto Hustle, bringing his love of community to the team. He's focused on growing cycling and building the infrastructure to keep everyone safe while riding a bike. In the saddle, Brad's known for his explosive sprints and won the green jersey at the 2019 Green Mountain Stage Race. After helping to launch CRUSH COVID in 2020, he's looking forward to supporting the event for a third year, raising funds for mental health in the East End.
Supervisor, Child/Youth Mental Health Services, the Transitional Youth Program and Paediatrics, Michael Garron Hospital
Adina Hauser, MSW, RSW, is the supervisor of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, the Transitional Youth Program and Pediatrics at Michael Garron Hospital. Adina has over a decade of experience as a social worker working with youth and young adults struggling with mental health and substance use. Adina also brings her extensive experience to her work as a family therapist in private practice. As the leader of the innovative Transitional Youth Program, Adina works hard to ensure that youth are supported as they navigate the complex barriers of the mental health / addictions systems. Along with MGH’s community partners, Adina is committed to building integrated youth programming to East Toronto, to ensure that youth are connected in the pursuit of wellness in our community.
Supervisor, In-patient Mental Health and Crisis Team, Michael Garron Hospital
Kim Kurschinski has worked at Michael Garron Hospital for over 20 years, and with those struggling with mental health and addictions for over 35 years. Kim is excited to work with an organization like Michael Garron Hospital that has such a strong commitment to providing mental health and addiction services for the East Toronto area. She has had the opportunity to work in the community as a case manager, working with older adults who are suffering with mental health and addictions as well as in the Emergency Department as a crisis specialist for many years. One of the innovations that Kim has been involved in is the creation of the new Mental Health Assessment Area (MHAA) in the early start of the pandemic. As an East York resident, Kim knows personally how important Michael Garron Hospital is to the community.
Psychiatrist, Child & Adolescent Mental Health, Michael Garron Hospital
Dr. Susan MacKenzie is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Michael Garron Hospital and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. Prior to starting at MGH in 2017, Dr. MacKenzie was a staff psychiatrist and Medical Head of the Child, Youth and Family Service at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. She attended medical school at the University of Western Ontario and completed residency training at the University of Toronto. Prior to medical school, Dr. MacKenzie completed her Bachelor of Law degree at the University of Toronto. Dr. MacKenzie is married with three children and she is an advocate for children and youth mental health.
