Collaboration will support CMHA's work to improve mental health for all
EDMONTON, May 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Medicine Shoppe Canada and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) kicks off CMHA's 61st annual Mental Health Week - May 7 - 13, 2012 by announcing a novel partnership designed to better support Canadians who are managing and recovering from mental illness and addictions.
The new initiative will launch across Medicine Shoppe pharmacies on May 7th. Anti-stigma messaging, information materials and fundraising tools are among the many ways the partnership will be promoted in-pharmacy. Having highly informed and engaged pharmacists will ensure that the support for the work of the CHMA is clear.
"One in five Canadians, over the course of their lives, will experience a mental illness. This means that every single family in Canada will in some way be affected by mental illness," says Peter Coleridge, National CEO, CMHA. "CMHA has worked since 1918 to ensure that every Canadian enjoys the best possible mental health and welcomes this unique community-based partnership."
"Drug therapies are frequently prescribed for treatment of mental health conditions and that brings with it specific challenges," says Coleridge. "This partnership brings a level of support and expertise to many communities across the country. Having these pharmacists engaged with our local branches will positively impact the lives of Canadians living with mental health problems."
Most of CMHA's 120-plus branches and regional offices are in cities and regions with MSC pharmacy locations. This will allow the two organizations to work together to best support the needs of those living with mental illness in those communities.
"We look forward to this partnership and the opportunity to grow our knowledge base together to more effectively help people and their families deal with mental illness," says Murray Whitby, Vice President, Operations and Marketing, Medicine Shoppe Canada. "Our people have the specific expertise to help - this truly collaborative approach is where we see the greatest opportunity to improve outcomes."
About Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
CMHA was founded in 1918 and is one of the oldest voluntary health organizations in Canada. Each year, CMHA provides direct service to more than 100,000 Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 10,000 volunteers and staff across Canada in over 120 communities. As the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health, CMHA facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience and support recovery from mental illness. Please visit cmha.ca
About Medicine Shoppe Canada Medicine Shoppe Canada is a national chain of over 170 small-format, patient-focused pharmacies. Each Medicine Shoppe pharmacy is independently owned and operated, under a franchise license agreement with Medicine Shoppe Canada. Throughout 2012, Medicine Shoppe Canada celebrates 20 years of pharmacy excellence in Canada. Please visit www.medicineshoppe.ca.
Carolyn Lovas
Senior Communications and Media Advisor, CMHA National
416.979.7948
[email protected]
Murray Whitby
Vice President, Operations and Marketing, Medicine Shoppe Canada
780-424-3096
[email protected]
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