The Veterans Association and THE THUMBS UP FOUNDATION are coming together to move the needle.
We are moving the needle in mental health
Billions of Dollars are being invested in mental health, but the needle is not moving ($51B)
“The financial costs of poor mental health, including mental illnesses, are substantial, at approximately $51 billion each year in health care expenditures and lost productivity.”*
*Data source: Inequalities in Mental Health, Well-being and Wellness in Canada, Government of Canada 2024
“Canada has not moved the needle substantially on addressing the factors underlying poor mental health.”*
*Data Source: 2024 State of Canadian Mental Health, Canadian Mental Health Association
The opportunity
Fragmented system level failure in mental health lacking tangible outcomes.
Despite billions of dollars of investment, in Alberta, siloed solutions continue to lack true integration and coordination at the community level — and meaningful outcome reporting.
The “current hamster wheel” approach means that people cycle through disconnected services without making lasting progress.
Too many individuals, families, and veterans are on the “hamster wheel”...
Individuals and families today are forced to navigate disconnected providers. Repeating their stories. Facing long waitlists. Absorbing out of pocket costs.
All while working incredibly hard, and seeing little sustained progress.
This leads to them being on the "hamster wheel."
Help us heal health care for veterans.
WE are rasing 1 million dollars in 2026 and it starts with you…
The Thumbs Up Foundation has signed a letter of intent with the Veterans Association (VA) to bring its innovating and unique Harmonized Health framework to support veterans in their mental health.
The Thumbs Up Foundation (TUF), in partnership with the Veterans Association (VA), is seeking 1 million dollars in funding in 2026 to implement the Harmonized Health (HH) model of care within the Veterans Association.
What is TUF’s role?
TUF will contribute its evaluated, client-centric approach—designed to prioritize the needs of individuals over system-driven processes—and support its integration into the VA’s existing care framework for veterans.
What is Veterans Association’s role?
The Veterans Association will become the first “spoke” community, demonstrating how Harmonized Health can be successfully embedded and expanded to better serve veterans and, ultimately, other communities while TUF will continue to serve as the central hub for the Harmonized Health model. The Harmonized Health model is intentionally structured as a scalable and replicable community-based solution, enabling organizations to adopt and adapt it within their own contexts.
be a part of The Solution
Harmonized Health allows people to get off the “hamster wheel” …
TUF’S unique differentiator is … that it improves both individual and system-wide outcomes in Alberta’s mental health landscape.
Veterans Served. Now It’s Our Turn.
Your donation helps veterans access integrated care without navigating it alone.
