Mental Illness Awareness Week Proclaimed in Newfoundland and Labrador

All residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are encouraged to become more educated and open-minded towards mental illness as the Provincial Government marks Mental Illness Awareness Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services, has signed a proclamation for the week, October 2 to October 8.

“Mental health and addictions issues have a profound effect on individuals, families and our communities,” said Minister Kennedy. “One in five Canadians is affected by mental illness, but the fear of stigma often keeps people from seeking help. We, as a province, can lend our support by increasing our understanding of the issues and encouraging good mental health.”

Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador the involvement of community groups and agencies that focus on mental health and addiction services is vital. These organizations are helping people to improve their lives and to overcome their mental health and addictions issues. In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week, public education events will be hosted by groups throughout the province. For more information, please visit the Canadian Mental Health Association Newfoundland and Labrador Division website at: www.cmhanl.ca/.

“We must work together to demystify mental health and to create awareness in our communities,” said Minister Kennedy. “Greater community support for those with mental illness fosters opportunities to engage in prevention activities and to promote wellness.”

The theme of Mental Illness Awareness Week this year is Face Mental Illness which is designed to end the stigma associated with mental illness by encouraging individuals to speak out and share their experiences. Mental Illness Awareness Week is coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, a national network of organizations committed to improving mental health services and supports throughout the country.

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Photo: Front row, left to right: Brenda Stamp, President - Schizophrenia Society of Newfoundland and Labrador; The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services; Peter Ralph, President - CHANNAL. Second row, left to right: Jeremy Bennett, ‘Faces of Mental Illness,’ Mental Illness Awareness Week; Kim Baldwin, Acting Director, Mental Health and Addictions - Eastern Health; Heidi Edgar, Justice Project Coordinator - CMHA-NL.

Media contact:

Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 699-6524
JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca 

2011 10 03                                                                         10:10 a.m.