“Community leadership changes lives, and that’s exactly what these awards represent,” said Health Minister Josie Osborne.
Organizations and individuals that reduce stigma and make mental health and substance use supports more accessible were recognized at the 2026 Island Health community service awards this week.
The Courtnall Society for Mental Health, along with the Andre Courtemanche Society and advocate Kay Martin, were honoured at the 10th annual mental health and substance use awards held at the Gorge Park Pavilion on Tuesday.
The Courtnall Society for Mental Health has raised millions of dollars to support mental health initiatives, strengthen the capacity of community services, and reduce stigma through community-based programs across B.C., said Island Health.
Founded by brothers Geoff, Russ, and Bruce Courtnall in memory of their father, Archie, the society’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to promoting open conversations about mental health and investing in meaningful, evidence-based care, said Island Health.
Since 2003, the Courtnall family has raised millions of dollars through the Courtnall Celebrity Classic golf tournament and fundraising events to fund mental health initiatives across B.C.
Today, the society provides grants to organizations working on suicide prevention, children and youth, substance use, and community integration.
The West Shore-based Andre Courtemanche Society is a community-led mental health advocacy organization founded by Denise and Glenn Courtemanche in memory of their son, Andre.
Andre, 16, who suffered from depression and anxiety, died by suicide on January 1, 2021. His body was found Jan. 9 in Goldstream Provincial Park.
Earlier in December, when his parents discovered Andre had stopped taking his medication for depression and anxiety, the Courtemanches called a youth crisis line and their family doctor.
The doctor had referred Andre to a psychiatrist six months earlier, when the teen said his medication wasn’t working. But by late December, as Andre’s mental health deteriorated, the family still hadn’t received a call from a psychiatrist.
Denise pressed the family doctor to check on the referral. On Jan. 3, two days after Andre was last seen leaving his Cressida Crescent home and walking along the E&N rail line that abuts the backyard, the couple got a call about a psychiatric appointment in February.
His parents have recounted how they struggled to navigate the complex system of mental health care and, later, with wide support from their community, turned their frustration and grief into helping others in their son’s name.
The society aims to ensure that young people and their families do not feel alone as they navigate mental health challenges.
It focuses on reducing stigma and helping youth access meaningful mental health supports, with a strong emphasis placed on “connection, hope and the belief that every young person deserves to be seen, supported and valued.”
The society’s work is transitioning toward supporting youth through initiatives such as the Canadian Mental Health Society Green Ribbon Scholarship, which honours Andre’s legacy by promoting resilience, education and mental wellness among young people.
Kay Martin, a community leader whose work is grounded in experience with substance use, mental health challenges and homelessness, is known for “walking alongside people in her community with compassion, dignity and a strong commitment to harm reduction,” said Island Health.
She is the founder of A&K’s Community Love and co-founder of Beacon of Hope, initiatives to respond to urgent needs in real time.
Martin currently works in peer support with Mental Health Recovery Partners, which is situated in Quadra village and provides programs and services for people with mental illness, including peer support and family counselling. She also supports harm-reduction initiatives through AVI Health and Community Services’ SAFER clinic.
Health Minister Josie Osborne, in a statement, said that “community leadership changes lives, and that’s exactly what these awards represent.”
She said the compassion, connection and tireless advocacy of the Courtnall Society, Andre Courtemanche Society and Kay Martin remind us that care rooted in community, experience and hope “is essential to building a healthier, more inclusive province.”
The Island Health South Island Mental Health and Substance Use advisory committee identifies community members who make a difference in the lives of people with mental health and substance use challenges.
It purchases artwork from artists with lived experience to present to the award recipients.