Funding to support organizations that assist families, workers and marginalized communities
The investment will support the following organizations:
- Fondation Jeunes en Tête – teens and parents
CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation – children and teens- Montréal
Children's Hospital Foundation – children and teens - Relief - the path of mental health – marginalized communities and workers
"We're committed to investing in mental health to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for
Sun Life's actions on the mental health front align with its purpose of helping people live healthier lives by ensuring as many people as possible have access to the resources and support they need.
Sun Life's actions are focused on three key areas:
(1) Supporting employee well-being in
As the largest provider of group benefits in the country, Sun Life is committed to improving access to care and helping employers in
Sun Life Health , a new business unit focused on empowering people take charge of their health no matter where they are in their health journey.- Lumino Health Virtual Care, powered by Dialogue, available to Group Benefits Clients with extended health care benefits. Through a strategic partnership with Dialogue, over 500,000 Sun Life Clients and their family can use the virtual service to connect directly with a health care professional for both their physical and mental health needs.
- Stress Management and Well-Being – Lumino Health Virtual Care, powered by Dialogue, aims to stop many common mental health issues from becoming more serious. All Clients whose benefits include Lumino Health Virtual Care have 24/7 access to a care team that includes psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, doctors, nurses, and medical specialists. The program provides immediate and comprehensive support with an unlimited number of sessions to support Clients' full recovery.
- Mental Health Coach, a service available to some Sun Life Group Benefits Clients. The service uses data analytics to identify Clients who are at risk of developing a mental health issue. The coach then proactively reaches out to guide Clients to the right resources and support, helping them make the best use of their benefits plan.
Lumino Health ,Canada's largest network of health care providers, free to everyone inQuebec andCanada . ThroughLumino Health , people can find health-care providers and book appointments, learn about the latest in health and explore new health resources.- Mental Health Strategy Toolkit, a free toolkit that guides employers through a five-step process to build a workplace mental health strategy that delivers meaningful and lasting results.
(2) Mobilizing the business community around mental health
From the earliest days of the pandemic, Sun Life Canada and Sun Life Quebec presidents
In
(3) Investing in mental health foundations and organizations
For years, Sun Life has supported foundations and organizations whose mission is to support mental well-being in our communities. Today's
$1 million donation to Kids Help Phone to support Indigenous youth mental health. Announced in the fall of 2021, this investment will expand Brighter Days, an Indigenous Wellness Program, across the country.- Mental health funding announced in
February 2020 for teens in theQuébec City area, in partnership with former mayor Régis Labeaume. The funding supports increased mental health awareness efforts, early detection programs and greater access to mental health services. ByMay 2021 , nearly 2,000Quebec City youth had used the services from the four agencies supported by the donation, including Fondation Jeunes en Tête, which manages the fund.
The pandemic has worsened the mental health crisis, and the need to support mental health in
Even before the pandemic, mental health issues were the leading cause of workplace disability. Each week, 500,000 employees miss work due to mental health. Mental illness is rising sharply, increasing 27% from 2014 to 2019. In 2020, mental health made up 35% of Sun Life's long-term disability claims, more than double all cancer-related claims.
Forty percent of people report worsening mental health since the onset of the pandemic. Younger generations are no exception, with the impacts likely to be felt for years to come.
That's why investing in mental health programs is vital. Supporting the needs and well-being of vulnerable populations is key to a healthy and sustainable future for
Sun Life in the community
Sun Life is committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life. Community wellness is an important part of its sustainability commitment. By actively supporting the communities in which Sun Life lives and works, the organization can help build a positive environment for Clients, employees, advisors, and shareholders. Its philanthropic support focuses on health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, and care initiatives. Mental health is also a key priority, with support for programs and organizations with an emphasis on building resilience and coping skills.
Sun Life also partners with sports properties in key markets to further our commitment to healthy and active living. Its employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering more than 16,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across
Learn more about Sun Life in the community.
Media contact:
Mylène Bélanger
Manager
Public Relations
T. 438-341-3884
mylene.belanger@sunlife.com
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada
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