News & stories, Turning passion into action
March 2024
Janice Franklin: A lifelong champion of mental health support
When Janice Franklin thinks back on her early days as a nurse in 1954, she’s reminded of just how far healthcare has come. “Back then, they were testing some of the very first anti-depressants in Canada,” she recalls.
Janice would never tell you this herself, but she’s an important part of why we’ve seen such an amazing evolution in New Brunswick’s healthcare over the years – particularly around mental health.
Janice’s commitment to advancing mental health began while on rotation in the psychiatric unit early in her nursing career. She didn't just witness the heart-wrenching struggles that patients endured in their daily battles with mental health; she felt their pain in her heart. But what’s more is she observed the incredible impact that proper access to care could have – how it could transform patients’ lives.
This singular experience became the cornerstone of her lifelong mission: to improve mental health care in New Brunswick.
Janice, along with her late husband Mitchell, poured their hearts into supporting the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation. Together, they established the Franklin MindCare Scholarship, a beacon of hope that champions excellence in mental health care by uplifting and empowering students who aspire to practice right here in New Brunswick.
While the scholarship bears her name, Janice says it really belongs to the community.
Janice has since decided to take her commitment to health one step further, by leaving a gift in her will. This gift is a testament to Janice's unwavering commitment to community health and living proof that every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference for our friends, families, and loved ones, right here in New Brunswick, ensuring they receive the very best of care.
"When people have an experience that brings them into the health system, they realize how important it is, and they want to do something. I hope they realize that what seems small isn’t small in the end. Even a drop in the water makes ripples."
-Janice Franklin, Legacy Donor
