Illumination of Peace Bridge, Niagara Falls, CN Tower
Reminder that it’s Mental Health Week (May 1-8)
(Toronto, Thursday, April 28, 2016) – Nearly 50 landmarks and business across southern Ontario will be lit green to provide the public with significant visual reminders that next week is Mental Health Week (May 1-8), an important time to talk openly about your mental health.
The Peace Bridge, Niagara Falls, CN Tower and Casa Loma are among sites to go green. Other notable locations to go green during Mental Health Week include:
- City halls in Toronto, Burlington, Hamilton and Guelph
- Buildings on the campuses of the University of Toronto (University College), Ryerson University (Image Arts Building)
- All divisions of the Hamilton Police Service and Halton Regional Police Service
- St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington
- The 3D Toronto sign at Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square
- Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls
For a full list of lit buildings and illumination times, visit greenformentalhealth.ca
Individuals are encouraged to take pictures of or selfies with illuminated buildings and post to social media using #GETLOUD, as in it’s time to “get loud” and talk openly about mental health.
With one in five children, youth and adults affected by mental health issues, Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division use Mental Health Week to call attention to the importance of good mental health and to the role each of us has in supporting those with mental health challenges.
A goal of the week is to engage communities and individuals across Ontario to increase understanding of mental health issues, reduce the stigma associated with mental illnesses, and spread the message that help is available.
“This week in particular, we ask everyone to consider their mental health just as they do their physical health,” said Camille Quenneville, CEO of CMHA Ontario. “Good mental health isn’t about avoiding problems or trying to achieve a perfect life. It’s about living well and feeling capable despite challenges.”
“Seventy percent of mental health issues emerge during adolescence. That’s why it’s vital to eliminate stigma surrounding mental health so that young people can be encouraged and feel safe speaking openly about the challenges they may be facing,” said Kimberly Moran, President and CEO of CMHO.
Both CMHO and CMHA-Ontario support the providers of accredited community-based mental health treatment services throughout the province. These community-based services are accessible to children, youth and adults and are less costly to deliver than more expensive hospital-based services.
Fast Facts:
- Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in children.
- Early intervention, diagnosis and treatment are critical for individuals with mental health challenges; they lead to better outcomes later in life.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between the ages of 10 and 24.
- One in five Canadians will experience a mental health issue or illness in any given year.
About Children’s Mental Health, Ontario
Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) works to identify and develop solutions to important policy issues affecting the child and youth mental health sector. We represent close to 100 accredited children’s mental health agencies that provide treatment and support to infants, children, youth and families. This includes targeted prevention, early intervention, short- and long-term counselling and therapy, and intensive services for those with complex and/or persistent mental health issues.
About Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) works toward a single mission: to make mental health possible for all. The vision of CMHA Ontario is a society that believes mental health is the key to well-being. CMHA Ontario works closely with 31 local branches in communities across the province to ensure the quality delivery of services in the areas of mental health, addictions, dual diagnosis and concurrent disorders. Through policy formulation, analysis and implementation, agenda setting, research, evaluation and knowledge exchange, we work to improve the lives of people with mental health and addictions conditions and their families.
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For more information, contact:
Joe Kim
Communications Director, Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
T: 416-977-5580 ext. 4141
Christine Pelletier
Communications Manager, Children’s Mental Health Ontario
T: 416-921-2109 ext. 130