October 2019

Mental Health Is on Our Mind This Month.

The leaves are changing, the days feel longer. We’re feet first into fall and with the change of the seasons comes a shift in our focus on mental health.

Did you know that October 6-12, 2019 is Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW)? The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health launched this annual national campaign to inform the public about the realities of mental illness. Mental health does not discriminate – children are part of the many that struggle with mental illnesses.

Mental illness affects an estimated 1.2 million children and youth in Canada, and only 20% of that number receive appropriate treatment [1].

Children’s hospitals in Canada are dedicated to changing these stats and helping kids get access to the care they need.

For example, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation is taking a stand against mental health in Alberta with their Build Them Up campaign. This project aims to raise funds to build a Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. This centre would include a walk-in clinic, intensive treatment options and a day hospital.

Across the country, our member foundations are working to change mental health in Canada, and you can too. Talk about what you’re doing to help overcome mental health issues, speak up and share your personal stories to inspire your community.

We urge you all to start your own conversations to change the dialogue around mental health discussions in Canada. For kids, for Canada, for healthcare.