Canadian Psychiatric Association recognizes the Governor General and Mrs. Sharon Johnston for their work in mental health

TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2014 /CNW/ - Today the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) will present the CPA Special Recognition Award to Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston for their work in mental health. The award will be accepted by Mrs. Johnston at the Opening Session of the CPA Annual Conference at 4:30 p.m. at the Westin Harbor Castle Hotel in Toronto.

The CPA periodically presents a special recognition award to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the mental health of Canadians.  Their Excellencies have added their voices to the ongoing national dialogue about mental health and mental illness and participated in the national effort to reduce stigma, advocating for treating mental illness as a matter of health like any other disease.

"Their Excellencies have consistently brought attention to mental illness and mental health in Canada during their mandate, often promoting the good work of others.  Champions like Their Excellencies give me hope that we will succeed in getting people with mental illness the treatment and support they deserve," said CPA President, Dr. Michael Teehan.

Their Excellencies have spoken about mental health on numerous occasions.  They have given interviews, attended a broad spectrum of mental health initiatives and co-hosted events at Rideau Hall including The Happening:  An Evening Where Creativity and Mental Health Come Together. Most recently, Her Excellency became the honorary 100,000^th Canadian trained in Mental Health First Aid.

Psychiatrists congratulate Their Excellencies on their passionate advocacy for the mental health of Canadians.

In honour of their dedication and commitment to the cause, Mrs. Johnston will be presented with a painting by artist Dinh Duong Nguyen from the art collection of Les Impatients.  Les Impatients' art therapists and volunteers create a space where over 400 patients with mental health problems regularly attend visual arts, music and free expression workshops.  A long-time participant in this Montreal art therapy program, Mr. Nguyen has contributed over 1500 works of art to the collection of Les Impatients.

The Canadian Psychiatric Association is the national voice for Canada's 4,700 psychiatrists and more than 600 psychiatric residents. Founded in 1951, the CPA is dedicated to promoting an environment that fosters excellence in the provision of clinical care, education and research.

Media wishing to cover this event are asked to confirm their attendance
with the Canadian Psychiatric Association.

SOURCE: Canadian Psychiatric Association

Hélène Côté, Canadian Psychiatric Association, [email protected], 613-297-5038; Marie-Ève Létourneau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-302-0912 (cell.), [email protected]; Follow GGDavidJohnston and RideauHall on Facebook and Twitter; Follow @CPA_APC #cpaconference on Twitter