New Executive Director Appointed to Mental Health Foundation

Press release from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia:

(HALIFAX - Sept. 4, 2008) Robert Hunt, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Lou Crowley [pictured] as the Foundation's Executive Director.

As the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia's new Executive Director, Ms. Crowley will lead a team of Foundation staff and volunteers to create a higher level of awareness of mental health and to support organizations to deliver the highest level of mental health care throughout Nova Scotia.

"Mary Lou Crowley is a proven leader who is passionate about the mental health cause and has an extensive fundraising and health care background," said Mr. Hunt. "She will be a tremendous asset to the Foundation in terms of securing financial contributions, developing partnerships, building public trust and increasing understanding and awareness of mental illness."

Ms. Crowley has more than 20 years as a professional fundraiser, primarily in the health care sector. Most recently, Ms. Crowley led the major gifts program in the Faculty of Health Professions at Dalhousie University. She has also held senior fundraising positions at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston, the Children's Hospital of Western Ontario and the London Health Sciences Foundation, both in London, Ontario.

"Directly or indirectly, everyone is touched by mental illness and I'm honoured to be leading the Foundation to make a difference in people's lives," said Ms. Crowley. "With mental illness affecting one in five Nova Scotians, it is more important than ever that the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia continue to provide support and raise awareness throughout Nova Scotia."

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a registered charitable foundation that raises funds to support organizations and individuals throughout the province in the delivery of patient care, education, and research needs for Nova Scotians with mental illness.

The Foundation is in the early stages of Nova Scotia's first-ever capital campaign for mental health. The Opening Minds Capital Campaign will raise $3 million for community-based services and support for Nova Scotians with mental health issues.

Media contact:

Catherine Kieran
Director of Marketing & Communications
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
Phone: (902) 464-5994
Cell: (902) 233-3298
Fax: (902) 464-3001
e-mail: Catherine.Kieran@cdha.nshealth.ca