Dr. Margaret Steele to co-chair Western’s 2014 United Way Campaign

Dr. Margaret Steele, vice dean, Hospital and Interfaculty Relations, together with Peggy Wakabayashi will lead Western’s 2014 United Way Campaign. As a past donor to the United Way, Dr. Steele was honoured to be considered for this very important role and looks forward to educating students, faculty and staff about the importance of addressing poverty, mental health and those in transitions.

She is also very keen to increase participation. “I would like to increase the contributions of all those at Western but particularly at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry as I believe this is one way we can achieve our School’s vision of “Optimizing life-long health.”

A child and adolescent psychiatrist for the past 22 years, Dr. Steele has seen first-hand the need for assistance for children and families living in poverty, experiencing mental health problems and making transitions whether it be from one community to another, one health care provider to another or from one culture to another. Additionally, she has witnessed the positive outcomes for children and their families who have utilized the services, which have been supported by the United Way.

These experiences inspired her to become involved with Campaign in such a significant way. “I decided to take on this important role as I believe strongly in the goals of the United Way to improve the quality of life for all people and to assist individuals, families and communities to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Steele.