Health and Community Services
September 16, 2015
Providing Health Supports for Families and Communities
Understanding Changes Everything Anti-Stigma Awareness Campaign Begins Phase II
The Provincial Government has launched Phase II of the Understanding Changes Everything Anti-Stigma Awareness Campaign, which will focus on mental illness and addictions in the workplace. The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services, made the announcement today alongside partners of the program that are committed to promoting and supporting mental health in the workplace, community stakeholders.
"Mental illness and addictions cost the Canadian economy approximately $51 billion every year, with $20 billion of that amount stemming from workplace losses, such as absenteeism. Through the launch of Phase II of the Understanding Changes Everything campaign, we are starting a conversation among leaders who are committed to changing and improving workplaces in Newfoundland and Labrador. By making partnerships and bringing together organizations in communities, we are working to decrease stigma associated with mental illness and addictions in the workplace and beyond."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services
The goal of the Understanding Changes Everything Workplace Program is to encourage organizations throughout the province to promote mental health in the workplace and build positive working environments that reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and addictions. Partner organizations which have already committed to the program are supporting employees and fostering healthier and more productive work environments. Other organizations throughout the province are also encouraged to become partners in this very important initiative. For more information about how to participate in the program, please visit www.UnderstandNow.ca. 
As a part of the Workplace Program, the Provincial Government will provide training in The Working Mind to partner organizations that have already committed to the program. The Working Mind is an education-based program that is offered through the Mental Health Commission of Canada and is designed to address and promote mental health and reduce the stigma of mental illness in a workplace setting.
"Eastern Health is a pleased to partner in the Understanding Changes Everything Workplace Program and is committed to making our workplaces healthier for our approximately 13,000 employees. Everyone deserves to work in an environment free of the stigma and shame often associated with mental illness and addictions. By taking steps to decrease this stigma and enhancing services to support our employees, Eastern Health aims to improve health and well-being among its employees."
- Beverley Clarke, Vice-President, Mental Health and Addictions, Eastern Health
For more information on the Understanding Changes Everything Campaign and to learn more about mental illness and addictions in the workplace, please visit www.UnderstandNow.ca .
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government has launched Phase II of the Understanding Changes Everything Anti-Stigma Awareness Campaign.
- Mental illness and addictions cost the Canadian economy approximately $51 billion every year, with $20 billion of that amount stemming from workplace losses, such as absenteeism
- The goal of the Understanding Changes Everything Workplace Program is to encourage organizations throughout the province to promote mental health in the workplace and build positive working environments that reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and addictions.
- As a part of the Workplace Program, the Provincial Government will provide training in The Working Mind, an education-based program that is offered through the Mental Health Commission of Canada, to partner organizations that have already committed to the program. For more information on the Workplace Program and how to participate, please visit www.UnderstandNow.ca .
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Media contacts:
|
Tina Williams
Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca |
Tracey Boland
Media Relations Manager Eastern Health 709-777-1412 TraceyL.Boland@easternhealth.ca |
2015 09 16 10:55 a.m.