At CMHA Vernon, we know that recovery takes time. The emotional impacts of wildfires, evacuation, and displacement can continue long after the immediate crisis has passed. Whether you are looking for support, resources, or help navigating available services, our team is here to connect youth, families, and community members with the care they need. Explore Supports Here

Paddlers Battled Rain, 12°C Temperatures, Headwinds and Whitecaps to Complete the 18KM Paddle Across Kalamalka Lake For Local Charity Okanagan Valley, BC (September 1, 2026) — Rain, cold temperatures, relentless headwinds and whitecaps couldn’t stop the 9th Annual “Stand Up For” Charity Paddle from surpassing its fundraising goal and reaching a major milestone for the North Okanagan community. On Saturday, August 29, sisters Kristin Holomis and...

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Vernon regrets to announce that the 2026 Ride Don’t Hide cycling event will not proceed as scheduled on June 7, 2026. This decision was made after careful consideration of ongoing logistical challenges, including the continued closure of a key route along Aberdeen Road, which impacts the organization’s ability to deliver a safe and accessible event for all participants. Ride Don’t...

Meaningful connections and strengthening mental health will be the focus as North Okanagan residents gather for National Mental Health Week. The Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District will host two special events during the week, and the public is welcome to attend. “The theme for Mental Health Week is, ‘Stronger Connections. Better Mental Health.’ It’s an important reminder that connecting with those around us is...

CMHA Vernon & District is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelli Sullivan as Director of Programs – Youth, Family and Adult (Integrated Services). This newly created leadership role reflects the organization’s continued growth, an evolution in leadership for some programs, and a commitment to supporting integrated, responsive services across the lifespan. As CMHA Vernon & District continues to expand and evolve, the organization identified the...

Barrier-free access to sexual health and immunization services is available to youth in the North Okanagan. Starting April 16, the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District, in partnership with Interior Health, will host a free drop-in sexual health clinic Thursdays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The clinic will be held at the Youth Integrated Services Hub (YISH), 3304 30th Ave. and is for youth ages...

Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District held a successful Coldest Night of the Year walk Feb. 28. About $30,000 was raised by more than 160 participants for the North Okanagan Rent Bank. “We are incredibly grateful for the strong community support for Coldest Night of the Year and housing stability. It was inspiring to see so many people wanting to ensure their neighbours and friends...

We’re proud to share the incredible progress, stories, and community impact made possible through the support of our partners, donors, and volunteers. This year’s report highlights the growing need for mental health services, the innovative programs we’ve expanded, and the meaningful ways we’re walking alongside individuals across the North Okanagan and beyond. At CMHA, we believe that mental health is a journey we take together. The...

The Push-Up Challenge returns from Feb. 5 to 27 and it's a great opportunity to use physical fitness as a way of navigating mental health. The challenge is simple but powerful: 2,000 push-ups (or alternative exercises) to represent the 2,000 lives lost to suicide every day worldwide. It’s not just about fitness, it’s about raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting mental health programs right here in...

As we approach the end of the year, we’re reminded of the incredible power each of us holds — the power to make someone feel seen, heard, and valued. At Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District, we witness daily how a simple act of kindness can change a life. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation, a reassuring presence, or a helping hand, these moments matter. And your support...

Making an impact, one swing at a time.The PGA of BC’s Teach-a-thon for Mental Health changed the lives of people in our local community living with mental health challenges! Between Aug. 22 and Sept. 30, Predator Ridge Resort and Vernon Golf and Country Club participated in the campaign hosted by the PGA of BC and the Canadian Mental Health Association. It brought golf lessons to keen...

From wildfires and floods to extreme weather events, climate emergencies are increasingly disrupting communities and affecting people's well-being. To address the profound and lasting mental health impacts of climate-related disasters, Canadian Mental Health Association branches in the Interior and northern B.C. are working closely together to create a network of support. “We are no stranger to wildfire, flood and heat domes in the North Okanagan and...

Ride Don’t Hide founder participating in North Okanagan Event The founder of the Ride Don’t Hide movement will be attending the North Okanagan event in support of youth mental health services. Michael Schratter will be at the Ride Don’t Hide hosted by Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District June 8 at Creekside Park in Coldstream. "I'm coming back to my hometown and I'm excited to...

Ride Don’t Hide provides support for youth mental health There’s a month left to get your bike out in support of youth mental health. Ride Don’t Hide is hosted by Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District June 8 at Creekside Park in Coldstream. Registration is underway at ridedonthide.com/vernon “With less than a month left for people to register for Ride Don’t Hide, it’s exciting to...

North Okanagan residents have an opportunity to come together, have some fun and create awareness about mental health. On May 8, 2025, Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District will hold two special events as part of Mental Health Week. “We are excited to bring the community together as a way of shattering stigma around mental health and creating connections with those around us,” said Julia...

Vernon, BC – New director of fund development brings wealth of community experience An experienced fundraiser and community advocate is joining Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District. Vicki Proulx is CMHA Vernon’s new director of development and communication. “We are excited to have Vicki join our team,” said Julia Payson, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District. “Vicki has a strong...

CMHA Vernon & District is honoured to be the charity of choice for Watkin Motors Ford Presents Thankful Thursday. The film will be Bring It On, a cult classic that centers around two high school cheerleading teams' preparation for a national competition. May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Vernon Towne Theatre100% of the Box Office profits from the screening will go directly to CMHA Vernon. You can purchase your...

The holiday season means a few changes for CMHA Vernon's administration and programs office. Dec. 24 - Open 8 to 12 Dec. 25 - Closed Dec. 26 - Closed Dec. 27 - Closed Dec. 30 - Open 8 to 4 Dec. 31 - Open 8 to 12 Jan. 1 - Closed Jan. 2 - Open 8 to 4 Jan. 3 - Open 8 to 4 For...

CMHA Vernon provides mental health tips for the holidays Amidst the celebrations, hectic pace and joy associated with the holidays, depression, grief, and anxiety can be the reality for many. The Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District is encouraging residents to include mental health when preparing for the festive season. “The festivities come with high expectations of perfection, but we know that pressure is something...

At CMHA Vernon, we know that recovery takes time. The emotional impacts of wildfires, evacuation, and displacement can continue long after the immediate crisis has passed. Whether you are looking for support, resources, or help navigating available services, our team is here to connect youth, families, and community members with the care they need. Explore Supports Here

Paddlers Battled Rain, 12°C Temperatures, Headwinds and Whitecaps to Complete the 18KM Paddle Across Kalamalka Lake For Local Charity Okanagan Valley, BC (September 1, 2026) — Rain, cold temperatures, relentless headwinds and whitecaps couldn’t stop the 9th Annual “Stand Up For” Charity Paddle from surpassing its fundraising goal and reaching a major milestone for the North Okanagan community. On Saturday, August 29, sisters Kristin Holomis and...

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Vernon regrets to announce that the 2026 Ride Don’t Hide cycling event will not proceed as scheduled on June 7, 2026. This decision was made after careful consideration of ongoing logistical challenges, including the continued closure of a key route along Aberdeen Road, which impacts the organization’s ability to deliver a safe and accessible event for all participants. Ride Don’t...

Meaningful connections and strengthening mental health will be the focus as North Okanagan residents gather for National Mental Health Week. The Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District will host two special events during the week, and the public is welcome to attend. “The theme for Mental Health Week is, ‘Stronger Connections. Better Mental Health.’ It’s an important reminder that connecting with those around us is...

CMHA Vernon & District is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelli Sullivan as Director of Programs – Youth, Family and Adult (Integrated Services). This newly created leadership role reflects the organization’s continued growth, an evolution in leadership for some programs, and a commitment to supporting integrated, responsive services across the lifespan. As CMHA Vernon & District continues to expand and evolve, the organization identified the...

Barrier-free access to sexual health and immunization services is available to youth in the North Okanagan. Starting April 16, the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District, in partnership with Interior Health, will host a free drop-in sexual health clinic Thursdays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The clinic will be held at the Youth Integrated Services Hub (YISH), 3304 30th Ave. and is for youth ages...

Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District held a successful Coldest Night of the Year walk Feb. 28. About $30,000 was raised by more than 160 participants for the North Okanagan Rent Bank. “We are incredibly grateful for the strong community support for Coldest Night of the Year and housing stability. It was inspiring to see so many people wanting to ensure their neighbours and friends...

We’re proud to share the incredible progress, stories, and community impact made possible through the support of our partners, donors, and volunteers. This year’s report highlights the growing need for mental health services, the innovative programs we’ve expanded, and the meaningful ways we’re walking alongside individuals across the North Okanagan and beyond. At CMHA, we believe that mental health is a journey we take together. The...

The Push-Up Challenge returns from Feb. 5 to 27 and it's a great opportunity to use physical fitness as a way of navigating mental health. The challenge is simple but powerful: 2,000 push-ups (or alternative exercises) to represent the 2,000 lives lost to suicide every day worldwide. It’s not just about fitness, it’s about raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting mental health programs right here in...

As we approach the end of the year, we’re reminded of the incredible power each of us holds — the power to make someone feel seen, heard, and valued. At Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District, we witness daily how a simple act of kindness can change a life. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation, a reassuring presence, or a helping hand, these moments matter. And your support...

Making an impact, one swing at a time.The PGA of BC’s Teach-a-thon for Mental Health changed the lives of people in our local community living with mental health challenges! Between Aug. 22 and Sept. 30, Predator Ridge Resort and Vernon Golf and Country Club participated in the campaign hosted by the PGA of BC and the Canadian Mental Health Association. It brought golf lessons to keen...

From wildfires and floods to extreme weather events, climate emergencies are increasingly disrupting communities and affecting people's well-being. To address the profound and lasting mental health impacts of climate-related disasters, Canadian Mental Health Association branches in the Interior and northern B.C. are working closely together to create a network of support. “We are no stranger to wildfire, flood and heat domes in the North Okanagan and...

Ride Don’t Hide founder participating in North Okanagan Event The founder of the Ride Don’t Hide movement will be attending the North Okanagan event in support of youth mental health services. Michael Schratter will be at the Ride Don’t Hide hosted by Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District June 8 at Creekside Park in Coldstream. "I'm coming back to my hometown and I'm excited to...

Ride Don’t Hide provides support for youth mental health There’s a month left to get your bike out in support of youth mental health. Ride Don’t Hide is hosted by Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District June 8 at Creekside Park in Coldstream. Registration is underway at ridedonthide.com/vernon “With less than a month left for people to register for Ride Don’t Hide, it’s exciting to...

North Okanagan residents have an opportunity to come together, have some fun and create awareness about mental health. On May 8, 2025, Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District will hold two special events as part of Mental Health Week. “We are excited to bring the community together as a way of shattering stigma around mental health and creating connections with those around us,” said Julia...

Vernon, BC – New director of fund development brings wealth of community experience An experienced fundraiser and community advocate is joining Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District. Vicki Proulx is CMHA Vernon’s new director of development and communication. “We are excited to have Vicki join our team,” said Julia Payson, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon and District. “Vicki has a strong...

CMHA Vernon & District is honoured to be the charity of choice for Watkin Motors Ford Presents Thankful Thursday. The film will be Bring It On, a cult classic that centers around two high school cheerleading teams' preparation for a national competition. May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Vernon Towne Theatre100% of the Box Office profits from the screening will go directly to CMHA Vernon. You can purchase your...

The holiday season means a few changes for CMHA Vernon's administration and programs office. Dec. 24 - Open 8 to 12 Dec. 25 - Closed Dec. 26 - Closed Dec. 27 - Closed Dec. 30 - Open 8 to 4 Dec. 31 - Open 8 to 12 Jan. 1 - Closed Jan. 2 - Open 8 to 4 Jan. 3 - Open 8 to 4 For...

CMHA Vernon provides mental health tips for the holidays Amidst the celebrations, hectic pace and joy associated with the holidays, depression, grief, and anxiety can be the reality for many. The Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District is encouraging residents to include mental health when preparing for the festive season. “The festivities come with high expectations of perfection, but we know that pressure is something...