Mental health is so hard to understand, so hard to grasp for everyone ... finally a short film, a beautiful poem, a true piece of art that can connect people with with the words and the feelings that are oh so hard to share. Thank you Hachey. Thank you Laura. You've done it right.
Posted by emptypink
Danny Chedrawe (left), Vice-Chair, Board of Trustees, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, with Mary-Lou Crawley, Executive Director, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, and Dr. Nick Delva, Head, Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, and Chief of Psychiatry, Capital District Health Authority.
Vince Daigle (far left), a peer support worker with the Healthy Minds Cooperative, stands with staff from William Nycum & Associates Limited and Shauna Blundon-Price (centre), an employee of the Capital District Mental Health Program.
Dr. Ian Slayter, Clinical Director, General Psychiatric Services, Capital Health District Health Authority.
Barbara Hall, Vice-President, Person-Centred Health, Capital District Health Authority, talks with a reporter.
Susan Hare, an employee of the Capital District Mental Health Program, enjoying the beautiful weather.
Peter Croxall (left), director of the Capital District Mental Health Program, cooking hamburgers.
Denyse Sibley, on-air host of the FX101.9 Country Breakfast cooks alongside Robert G. Zed, Chair, Zed Group.
Laura Ankcorn (left) and Amanda Crabtree, two employees of the Captial District Mental Health Program, enjoying the barbeque. The Nova Scotia government is spending $8.6 million on new housing units for people recovering from mental illness.
The government says the units are for people who are moving from inpatient care into the community.
The four community living units will consist of 10 bedrooms and living space.
The province says they will be built on the Nova Scotia Hospital property in the Halifax suburb of Dartmouth.
The Capital District Health Authority and the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia are contributing about $1.7 million, bringing the total cost of the project to $10.3 million.
Construction is scheduled to begin this summer.
I was touched by Heather Amos’s June 20 story subtitled "Mother: With no services to help her daughter, she’ll continue to run away," about Kim Clark and her daughter Koral Lynn [pictured].
I would like Ms. Clark to know that there is a dedicated group of community leaders who are volunteering their time to raise funds so that her daughter will have a place to heal and recover.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is in the early stages of our province’s first-ever capital campaign for mental health. The Opening Minds Capital Campaign is raising funds for the construction of new residences that will be home to individuals who have experienced a period of stability and are ready to begin their transition back into the community.
If you’ve driven down Pleasant Street in Dartmouth lately, you will have noticed a dramatic change in the skyline as Simpson Hall at the Nova Scotia Hospital site comes down to make way for these new residences.
We’re also creating a dedicated fund for mental health care programs throughout Nova Scotia so that patients have access to services and support closer to the place they live.
I would like to commend Ms. Clark for fighting for a better quality of life for her daughter and thank her for sharing her story.
Our group of volunteers is committed to a better quality of life for the one in five Nova Scotians who have a mental illness. For more information, visit www.mentalhealthns.ca.
Greg Grice, Regional President
Atlantic Provinces, RBC
Chair, Opening Minds Capital Campaign
The Mental Health Foundation elected Fred MacGillivray [pictured] as their new chair for the Nova Scotia board of directors.
Mr. MacGillivray has been a board member for many years and has been instrumental in the foundation’s A Different Stage of Mind campaign which raised $1 million for Nova Scotia mental health programs and services.
“With mental health in the spotlight now more than ever before, this is an exciting time to be leading this foundation that is committed to enhancing and improving the quality of life for Nova Scotians with mental illness,” said Mr. MacGillivray.
The foundation was created in 1987. It raises mental health awareness and supports organizations that provide mental health care in Nova Scotia.
The election occurred at their annual general meeting on Thursday. Mr. MacGillivray is replacing Robert Hunt who has been chair since September 2007.
Mr. MacGillivray was the president and chief executive officer of Trade Centre Limited between 1994 and March of this year.
More debate needed
In response to the May 22 story "Grit health plans welcomed," the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia supports the creation of a commission that will report directly to the health minister on mental health issues.
Most people don’t want to talk about mental illness. One in five Nova Scotians is living with a mental illness in any given year and yet mental health makes up only 3.5 per cent of the provincial health budget. In fact, less than half of Nova Scotians with mental illness receive adequate treatment.
Loved ones are often astounded by the surroundings in which their family members with mental illness are expected to heal and recover, as they would be considered unsuitable for individuals who are recovering from other illnesses.
We welcome more dialogue and debate on mental health from all the political parties leading up to June 9 and post-election. Nova Scotians with mental illness have been ignored for far too long.
Robert C. Hunt, CA, CIRP, Chair, Mental Health Foundation of N.S.
False message
Re: the May 21 story "Pensioners worry about safety in buildings."
Safety within public housing and the surrounding community is a concern shared by many in HRM. However, this article directly implies that individuals with mental illness are responsible for compromising the safety of others.
I believe this sends a false message to the public. People with mental illness actively contribute to their communities in countless ways and are generally more likely to become victims of unsafe environments, unlike this article suggests.
A multitude of social and individual conditions affect the safety and well-being of all residents, not only seniors. Poverty and other social issues greatly affect all of us.
As leaseholders who have abided by the same regulations as all other tenants of public housing, people with mental illness have the right to safe and affordable housing options. Marginalizing people with mental illness who are rightful tenants — as opposed to engaging them in developing creative solutions to these problems — is not going to meet the goal of a safer community.
Elaine Salisbury, Halifax
National Mental Health Week just ended and my spirits have not only been boosted, they have catapulted. What a week! There was so much going on that I could not attend everything.
There were three highlights for me: the Inspiring Lives Awards and Dinner (www.mentalhealthns.ca) in honour of those heroes living with mental illness who have shared their stories of struggle and humbly received accolades for living well; the official launch of www.OurHealthyMinds.com, a new website offering good information on mental health; and the Nova Scotia Schizophrenia Society’s incredibly successful walkathon (www.ssns.ca).
While Nova Scotia’s mental health care system is still an ailing soul, there is no doubt in my mind that the grassroots organizations and some very special people both within and without the mental health care system know what is needed. There is hope in the air, finally.
On a very personal note, some of the movement forward has touched my own family profoundly. I am so grateful and, yes, recovery is definitely possible. There is so much worth doing.
Sheila Morrison, Halifax
A December 9th press release from Manulife Financial Corporation:Nova Scotians living with a mental illness will benefit from a $500,000 donation announced today by Manulife Financial to support early intervention programs and community-focused living residences.
"The costs for mental illness is in the billions of dollars for the Canadian economy each year; therefore businesses have a part to play in recognizing and investing in good mental health," said Paul Rooney, President and CEO, Manulife Canada.
"It's also important that we continue to improve the way mental illness is perceived in our society so that those experiencing mental illness and their families receive the same high level of care, support and hope as those dealing with other illnesses."
"Manulife's investment will play a part in helping us achieve our vision of making sure the people of Nova Scotia are healthy, especially our youngest Nova Scotians," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "This is so much more than treating illness. It's about making healthy lifestyles a lifelong commitment for people, providing support for those who need it, and changing the circumstances that cause so much harm."
Manulife Financial has committed $250,000 of the money to the Canadian Mental Health Association's Nova Scotia Division for a prevention program for children and a peer support program for youth.
"Mental Health affects us all one way or another. Between 15 percent and 25 per cent of our children and youth suffer at least one mental health problem or illness. Fear, embarrassment, peer pressure and stigma are all barriers to children and youth talking about mental health or asking for help," said Charles Bruce, CMHA Nova Scotia's chair. "Manulife's investment will go a long way towards teaching children and youth about mental illness and how to talk about it with their friends, siblings and families in a way that reduces stigma."
Manulife also announced that the other $250,000 contribution will go to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia for the construction of residences for patients at the Nova Scotia Hospital who are making a transition back into the community.
"When you consider the cost of supporting someone with serious mental illness in the hospital is $170,000 a year, compared to the $35,000 it costs to support that same person in the community, Manulife's investment in the residences makes good financial sense," said Robert Hunt, the Foundation's chair. "Manulife's investment is an excellent start towards our Foundation's $2 million fundraising goal in order to make these residences a reality for Nova Scotians recovering from a mental illness."
Mental illness is the leading cause of employee disability in the workplace, affecting both absenteeism and productivity. More than 30 per cent of Manulife Financial's long-term disability claims administered on behalf of clients are related to mental illness. Industry studies estimate that mental illness costs the Canadian economy more than $51 billion a year in lost productivity, direct medical costs and reductions in health-related quality of life.
Media contacts:
Manulife Financial
Tom Nunn
(519) 594-8578
tom_nunn@manulife.com
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
Catherine Kieran
(902) 464-5994/233-3298
catherine.kieran@cdha.nshealth.ca;
Canadian Mental Health Association - Nova Scotia Division
Carol Tooton
1-877-466-6606
tootonc@eastlink.ca
Today's news release from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia:
Nova Scotians recovering from mental illness received a tremendous boost today as Health Minister Chris d'Entremont announced the site selection for new community-focused living residences and RBC contributed $150,000 towards their construction.
Simpson Hall, the former nurses' residence at the Nova Scotia Hospital site, will be removed to make way for four 10-bedroom residential-style bungalows for patients who need support to help them make the transition back into the community.
"A new model of mental health care is emerging; it is one that moves away from costly hospital and institutional-based care and towards community-based care that supports self-determination and integration," said Minister d'Entremont. "When services are provided in the community, support to mental health patients increases and recovery and reintegration accelerate."
The community-focused living residences are an expansion of government's commitment to improving access to appropriate mental health services across the province, and particularly for people in the Capital Health district.
The cost of supporting someone with serious mental illness in the hospital is $170,000 a year, compared to the $35,000 it costs to support that same person in the community.
The Province of Nova Scotia is funding 75 per cent of the $6.7 million cost for construction of the community-focused living residences - with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia raising the other 25 per cent.
The Foundation's $2 million fundraising efforts towards the residences received a boost today when RBC announced its financial contribution.
"RBC is pleased to support this new model of health care and to announce a lead contribution to the construction of the residences," said David McKay, RBC's Group Head of Canadian Banking. "Our donation of $150,000 will help to build the community-focused living residences that will play such an important role in this new model of mental health care."
Financial support from the Province, RBC and other corporate donors will help to narrow the gap between the acute care offered to mental health patients in a hospital setting and the support they receive once they are discharged.
"For many, the transition from receiving treatment in a hospital to living independently in the community can be overwhelming," said Robert Hunt, chair of the Foundation's board of directors. "The Mental Health Foundation is pleased to partner with the provincial government and the corporate community so that together, we can improve, enhance and change the lives of Nova Scotians with mental illness."
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a registered charitable foundation that was established in 1987 to create a higher level of awareness of mental health and to support organizations to deliver the highest level of mental health care in every community in Nova Scotia. Through major fundraising efforts, and with the support of our donors and volunteers, the Foundation is changing the way people think about mental health.
For more information call 464-6000 or visit www.mentalhealthns.ca
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
From the August 9th edition of The Chronicle Herald:When Sarah, Duchess of York, speaks at the Halifax Metro Centre on Sept. 16, a portion of the proceeds of the event will help support the one in five Nova Scotians who are living with a mental health issue.
The Duchess is pleased that part of the proceeds from the event will be directed to a cause in which she believes.
A limited number of premium seats are available by calling the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia at 464-6000. Information on VIP packages for An Evening with the Duchess of York is available at www.mentalhealthns.ca.
The Duchess is tremendously supportive of causes related to health and homelessness and we are delighted that Nova Scotians with mental illness will be benefiting from her visit.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is pleased to be a part of Mount Saint Vincent University’s World Podium influential leaders speaker series.
Myrtle Corkum, executive director,
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
From the June 27th edition of The Chronicle Herald:People living with mental illness in Halifax will soon have more resources at their disposal, thanks to a $46,000 investment from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
The foundation said Thursday that it will provide new funding for three programs in metro through its provincial grants program.
Grants will be awarded to the YWCA of Halifax, the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia and Laing House, a local youth support centre.
"Thanks to these organizations and the quality programs they offer to mental health patients and their families, we are changing the way people think about mental health," Myrtle Corkum, the foundation’s executive director, said in a release.
"Slowly, we are seeing a shift from stigmatizing, silence and isolation to acceptance, inclusion and understanding."
The grants will be used to fund educational initiatives, housing programs and support groups for family members and friends of people [living with] mental illness.
