Natalie Harris returned to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Friday to present a cheque to the hospital's new Child and Youth Mental Health Unit.
The Simcoe County Paramedic was treated at RVH during her own mental health crisis following a gruesome call involving a double murder in Barrie.
Harris was diagnosed with PTSD and has become a very public crusader against the stigma of mental illness.
"I wrote a book called 'Save-My-Life School' and a chapter is dedicated to what RVH did for me. They saved my life so literally being here as a patient just transformed my way of seeing the world. It allowed me to have light in my life and not live in darkness and just really gave me hope, gave my kids hope and gave my kids their mom back," said Harris.
It was all RVH officials could do to keep from crying as they heard Harris speak to a reporter about her mental health journey and the role of Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.
Harris presented the hospital with a cheque for $6,615.00 raised from her fundraising gala, Paramedic Nat's Evening for Mental Health. The donation will go to the new Child and Youth Mental Health Unit.
Eric Dean, CEO of the RVH Foundation, says the donation is 'awesome' but the awareness Harris raises is invaluable.
"What Natalie does is from a new breed of warrior because of the honesty and the sense of humour that you bring when you post and you talk about what your mind says to you all of that makes things relatable and lets people say really, somebody else actually has that voice in their head. I think that de-stigmatization gives a lot of people not just a sense of bravery and courage to come out but also that there are people willing to listen," said Dean. "I think that awareness will save more lives than any funds that we raise. That helps people live."
Early intervention and treatment can make all the difference in the adult lives of young people, according to Mary Webb, manager of RVH's Child and Youth Mental Health Program and the Adult Crisis Services.
The Child and Youth Unit unit opened Dec. 19 and at times it's full, she said.
"We have admitted youth ranging in age from 8 to 17," said Webb, adding they've received referrals from all over the region.
She became emotional when speaking about Harris and her role in making a difference.
"Her support has been phenomenal and she has such a way of communicating to our community to know that it's okay to go get help. And if we can take that stigma away, which I think she has been instrumental in doing," said Webb. "I can't tell you what a difference it's making for our youth."
Harris is already planning for next year's fundraising event. She credits a 'village' for her recovery - the community, her family, her work family and RVH.
She is committed to helping others, especially young people.
"The need is so great. I have families that come to me and say my young child is battling with anxiety or depression and they just have no where to go. So here at RVH in Barrie, having that opportunity for care is so essential."
