JC Haney, a resident of Manitoba, Canada, has taken his personal struggles with mental health and used them as a catalyst to make a positive impact in his community. Haney, who struggled with mental health for years, identified significant gaps in the mental health care system in Manitoba. The inadequacy of resources and lengthy waitlists prompted him to take action.
Key Points:
Haney, at the age of 26, had been navigating the public mental health care system for over a decade, experiencing challenges and feeling like help was often out of reach.
His personal experiences led to multiple suicide attempts and, eventually, a stay in a psychiatric ward in a Winnipeg hospital. There, he encountered the limitations of resources and the private sector’s role in providing therapy.
Frustrated by the complexity of the system and determined to make a difference, Haney founded a nonprofit organization called the “Access to Therapy Initiative.”
The Access to Therapy Initiative provides funding for low-income individuals, especially Indigenous people, to access counseling services when they cannot afford them. It relies on donations to support its mission.
Manitoba faces significant mental health challenges, with the highest suicide rate in Canada and a high demand for mental health and substance abuse services.
According to clinical psychologist Dr. Taslim Alani-Verjee, there is a shortage of mental health professionals to meet the country’s needs, leading to lengthy wait times in both the private and public sectors.
Haney’s nonprofit is currently focused on helping residents of Winnipeg but has plans to expand. Ultimately, he hopes that his organization will no longer be necessary, as more mental health resources become accessible to those in need.
JC Haney’s journey from personal mental health struggles to nonprofit leadership serves as a testament to the potential for positive change that can emerge from adversity. His organization aims to bridge gaps in mental health care and provide support to those who need it the most.
