Local LHIN helps fund 73 health service providers continued from p.42 of our health system partners," Bill MacLeod, Mississauga Halton LHIN CEO, said in the release. "This event provides an opportunity to share results across the health care system, which has become a proven methodology for improving care for patients leading to stronger outcomes and a better health care experience." The Mississauga Halton LHIN brings together local health care partners from a number of sectors including hospitals, community care and support services, mental health and addictions, community health centres, long-term care and primary care to develop innovative, collaborative solutions to improve access and enhance the experience of patients and clients. It is responsible for planning, coordinating, monitoring and funding 73 health service providers that deliver programs and services to the more than 1.2 million people living in Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills, Mississauga and South Etobicoke. 43 | Thursday, October 6, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Frank's annual Swim or Walk for Mental Health returns Sunday, Oct. 16 to Appleby College, 540 Lakeshore Rd. W. | Swim for Mental Health website photo Swim or Walk for Mental Health Oct. 16 at Appleby College Frank's annual Swim or Walk for Mental Health returns next month to once again raise funds for and awareness of local assistive programs. The local tradition, now entering its eighth edition, is in support of the Oakville Hospital Foundation. Set for Sunday, Oct. 16 at Appleby College, 540 Lakeshore Rd. W., the event sees participants swim at the school's indoor pool (starting at 7:30 a.m.) or walk around the campus grounds (starting at 9 a.m.). Families, children and pets are invited to participate. Frank Zamuner founded the swim as a means to fundraise for local mental health programs after he overcame the challenge of experiencing and living with depression in the wake of heart surgery. The Oakville resident began the swims during the summer at Brookdale Pool, but a subsequent change of venue to Appleby College increased the involvement of youths in the fundraiser. "Right now, one in five Ontarians under the age of 18 are struggling with a mental health issue. Early invention can make all the difference when it comes to preventing children from entering adulthood with untreated issues. The sooner mental illness is identified, and treated, the better the chances for recovery," according to event organizers. "Your support is needed. Your generosity and commitment make a difference to the lives of many. Frank's passion and dedication has made amazing strides." This year's goal is to collect $30,000 for the cause. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $215,000 for various mental health programs at the Oakville hospital's Mental Health Department, including supporting the: · renovation and expansion of the Outpatient Day Program Activity Room; · addition of a second Seclusion Room in the Emergency Department; · creation and expansion of the Mental Wellness Navigator Program; · REACH Program (Recovery through Education for Adolescents and Children in Halton) to provide an additional classroom at an Oakville high school. For more information, or to register or sponsor a participant, visit www.swimformentalhealth.com. With your help we were able to raise more than $80,000 NET for the equipment needs at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. Thank you to our sponsors