For the past seven years, Jennifer Palsson, Recreation Coordinator at the Daly Pavilion, has played a vital role in shaping the patient experience. While her journey into mental health care wasn’t exactly planned, it quickly became a fit. “I sort of fell into this position, but it has grown into a love and passion for helping others,” she shares.
Jennifer’s career began in senior care, where she spent ten years fostering meaningful engagement for older adults. When she transitioned to the Daly Pavilion, she had little experience in mental health, but her belief in treating the whole person—with dignity, empathy, and understanding—made the shift seamless. “Working at the Daly Pavilion has given me the drive to help others and make a difference wherever I can,” she says.
Through Jennifer’s leadership, the Daly Pavilion has developed a dynamic recreation program that extends far beyond traditional activities. Patients have access to cooking classes, art, games, excursions, and group therapy, as well as specialty programs thanks to community partnerships. Volunteers from St. John Ambulance’s pet therapy program, Peer Support workers from The FAIR Society, and art therapy students from the Kootenay Art Institute contribute to the healing environment. Public donations have also made it possible for patients to participate in music lessons at Super Cat Studios and yoga therapy through Turn the Tide Yoga Therapy. The impact of these programs is profound—not only do they provide therapeutic benefits, but they also help patients feel connected to the community.
For Jennifer, the smallest gestures often leave the biggest mark. One moment that stands out in her career happened outside of work, when she ran into a former patient in the community. “At one point, they turned to me and said, ‘I remember you. You made me fried green tomatoes. You were always so nice.’” That simple act of kindness had stayed with them, serving as a bright moment in an otherwise difficult time. “It was remarkable to me that even in the midst of hardship, this small kindness remained a cherished memory,” she reflects.
The need for mental health services has grown dramatically, particularly since 2020. Increased demand, coupled with housing instability and rising substance use, has made access to care more critical than ever. Jennifer believes it’s time for action. “Mental health has become the new ‘buzzword,’ but it’s more than that. It’s time to put our money where our mouths are and show support for this vulnerable population,” she urges.
That’s why the Mental Health Matters campaign holds deep significance for Jennifer, both personally and professionally. “I am genuinely humbled to have the spotlight shift towards an often overlooked and underfunded aspect of healthcare,” she says. “This generosity will inspire myself and our team to continue to deliver our best selves to our patients and the mental health care system.”
“The significance of our environment cannot be overstated,” she says. “A space that represents care and calmness directly impacts how we feel and how we heal.”
She compares the Daly Pavilion’s current condition to outdated technology. “Our unit was built in 1970. At that time, it was modern and new—but that was 55 years ago. Back then, floppy disks were considered cutting-edge. Just as technology has advanced, so has mental health care. It’s time to bring our unit into the future.”
Jennifer believes this campaign is an investment in the community’s well-being. “Mental health is a critical component of health care and warrants substantial investment. Programs like this need proper funding and support—both public and philanthropic—so individuals can access the care they need.”
Through her dedication, Jennifer is not just coordinating recreation—she’s helping to rebuild lives. The Mental Health Matters campaign will ensure that both patients and staff have the resources to continue this important work, creating a brighter future for mental health care in the region.
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