NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
FACE MENTAL ILLNESS CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS EFFORT TO END STIGMA OF MENTAL ILLNESS
Calgary, Alberta, October 3, 2011 – The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is boosting support for the Face Mental Illness campaign, part of Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) taking place from October 2 to 8.
The national awareness campaign, coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH), encourages Canadians to reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems and illnesses.
The 2011 campaign features five individuals from across Canada – Robert Price, Shana Calixte, Harmony Brown, Steeve Hurdle and Jeremy Bennett ‐ who are sharing their stories of recovery in hopes of inspiring others to seek help and speak out against stigma.
CAMIMH is also hosting the 9th Annual Champions of Mental Health Awards on October 5th in Ottawa, ON, which will include a speech by Louise Bradley, MHCC President and CEO.
“In unprecedented numbers, Canadians from coast to coast to coast are speaking out and taking action about mental illness and mental health,” said Bradley. “More and more, we are seeing grassroots action take hold, such as the inspiring individuals featured in the Face Mental Illness campaign.”
“Canada’s mental health community is making progress in changing attitudes and approaches to mental health but there is still much work to be done,” Bradley said. “We need to be doing more to improve access to mental health services, decrease stigma, promote mental health, and where possible prevent mental illness so that every Canadian has the opportunity to achieve the best possible mental health and well‐being.”
In conjunction with MIAW, CTV’s Canada AM is hosting a Town Hall on October 6 between 8‐9 am ET at the MTV Studio in the Masonic Temple (888 Yonge Street) in Toronto, ON, part of a series starting October 3 focused on suicide and its link to mental illness in sport, youth and the military.
(Those interested in participating as part of the audience are asked to pre‐register at ammentalhealth@bellmedia.ca.)
MHCC Vice‐Chair David Goldbloom, MD, will be among the participants in the Canada AM Town Hall. Goldbloom is a Senior Medical Advisor at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto.
Events marking MIAW will also be taking place throughout the week in other cities across Canada.
About the Mental Health Commission of Canada
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for transformative change. Our mission is to work with stakeholders to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to promote mental health and help people who live with mental health problems lead meaningful and productive lives. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada. For more, visit www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.
About the Mental Health Commission of Canada
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for transformative change. Our mission is to work with stakeholders to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to promote mental health and help people who live with mental health problems lead meaningful and productive lives. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada. For more, visit www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.
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Contact:
Kyle Marr, Senior Communication Specialist Office: (403) 385‐4050
kmarr@mentalhealthcommission.ca
The views represented herein solely represent the views of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Production of this document is made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada.
