Day 3 of three-day Together Against Stigma Conference in Ottawa: Human rights and workplace stigma are focus for MHCC conference on mental health stigma

OTTAWA, June 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The world's largest international conference on ways to overcome stigma towards people with mental health problems wraps up tomorrow in Ottawa with a focus on human rights and stigma in the workplace.

Nearly 600 of the world's top researchers, mental health professionals, policy makers and people with lived experience have been meeting in Ottawa from June 4-6 for Together Against Stigma: Changing How We See Mental Illness — a three-day conference organized by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and the World Psychiatric Association Scientific Section on Stigma and Mental Illness.

Highlights of Day 3 of the conference include:

• Key themes to be examined by presenters during symposiums, workshops and discussions include the importance of human rights in reducing stigma and workplace wellness.
• Several leading experts will participate in a symposium on increasing mental health education in the Canadian Forces to overcome stigma and barriers to care from 11:20 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.
• The use of criminal arrest as gateway to mental healthcare is increasing, leaving more people with a "forensic mental health" label that amplifies their stigma and has far-reaching consequences. A presentation on some of the myths and realities of forensic mental health clients from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
• An examination of the role human rights legislation can serve to help reduce mental health stigma and discrimination from 11:20 a.m. to 12:35 p.m.
• Closing ceremony, remarks from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
• More detailed information about the conference agenda, presenters and events can be found at www.togetheragainststigma2012.ca.

Details for the 5^th annual stigma conference:

What: Together Against Stigma: Changing How We See Mental Illness

When: Monday, June 4 to Wednesday, June 6

Where: Delta Ottawa City Centre, 101 Lyon St., Ottawa

The 5^th annual International Stigma Conference follows on the heels of the MHCC launching the country's first national mental health strategy (strategy.mentalhealthcommission.ca) last month and the recent World Health Assembly proceedings in Geneva.

Follow the event on Twitter at: #Stigma2012 and @MHCC_

INTERVIEWS

Members of the media are invited to attend conference sessions. Individual media requests for interviews with presenters, mental health experts and those with lived experience will be considered, schedule permitting.

ACADEMIC PAPERS and presentations

A host of academic presentations will be released throughout the conference.  Among the papers and presentations to be released today are:

• Current Practices in Reducing the Stigma of Mental Disorders in the Workplace.
• Novel Form of Police Training for Interactions with Mentally Ill Individuals.
• Myths and Realities about Forensic Mental Health Clients.
• Creative Minds: Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma through the Arts.
• Opening Minds on the Front Lines.

About the Mental Health Commission of Canada

The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for change. We are collaborating with hundreds of partners to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to help people who live with mental health problems and illnesses lead meaningful and productive lives. Together, we are sparking change. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada.

The views represented herein solely represent the views of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Production of this document is made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada.

Contact:
Jacqueline (Jacquie) LaRocque
[email protected] (email preferred)
[phone]