Health and Community Services
January 28, 2015
Promoting Mental Health Awareness
Provincial Government Recognizes Bell Let's Talk Day
The Provincial Government is recognizing today, January 28, as Bell Let's Talk Day to promote awareness and education of mental health issues in Newfoundland and Labrador.
"Bell Let's Talk Day aligns perfectly with the Provincial Government's goals with respect to the ongoing conversation around mental health issues in Newfoundland and Labrador. Mental health and addictions are the key focus of our Understanding Changes Everything awareness campaign and a common theme for discussion during the recent Premier's Summit on Health Care. As well, just last week we voted to establish an all-party committee on mental health in the provincial legislature, which is a significant step forward as we look at the programs and services we offer to residents with mental illnesses. I encourage all residents to get involved in Bell Let's Talk day to keep this important conversation going and to increase awareness and understanding of mental illnesses and addictions."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services
On Bell Let's Talk Day, for every text message, wireless and long distance call made by Bell Canada and Bell Aliant customers, as well as all tweets using the hashtag #BellLetsTalk and shares of the campaign's Facebook page at Facebook.com/BellLetsTalk, Bell will donate five cents to Canadian mental health programs.
"As a result of the success of last year's campaign, Bell was proud to contribute more than $5 million in additional funding to mental health programs. Canadians logged more than 109 million tweets, texts, calls and shares on Bell Let's Talk Day, bringing Bell's total commitment to mental health programs in Canada to more than $67 million. We are very pleased at the success of this annual campaign and look forward to tallying the results for this year. Together we can end the stigma of mental illness and work toward solutions that generate greater awareness and acceptance for all Canadians."
- Dan McKeen, Vice Chair and Senior Vice President Residential Services, Bell Aliant
Bell Let's Talk Day focuses on five simple ways to end stigma around mental illnesses - sensitive language, education, kindness, listening and open discussion.
The Provincial Government provides approximately $100 million annually for mental health and addictions programs and services delivered through the four regional health authorities. Over the past four years, an additional $60 million has been allocated to further enhance services and provide a sustainable, recovery-oriented system into the future.
For more information and to find out how to participate in Bell Let's Talk Day, visit letstalk.bell.ca/en/. 
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is recognizing January 28 as Bell Let's Talk Day to promote awareness and education of mental health issues in Newfoundland and Labrador and is encouraging residents to participate.
- For every text message, wireless and long distance call, tweet using the hashtag #BellLetsTalk and share on the campaign's Facebook page, Bell will donate five cents to Canadian mental health programs.
- Last year, Bell Let's Talk Day raised more than $5 million after Canadians logged over 109 million texts, wireless and long distance calls, tweets and Facebook shares.
- Bell Let's Talk Day aligns with the Provincial Government's commitment to mental health and addictions and the Understanding Changes Everything campaign. The Provincial Government provides approximately $100 million annually for mental health and addictions programs and services.
- For more information and to find out how to participate in Bell Let's Talk Day, visit letstalk.bell.ca/en/.
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Media contacts:
|
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 725-6511 hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca |
Mark Duggan
Senior Corporate Affairs Advisor, Bell Aliant 709-687-3136 mark.duggan@bellaliant.ca |
2015 01 28 9:35 a.m.