FORCES & FAMILIES partners with CannTrust to Launch Family Health and Mental Wellness Outreach Program For Veterans and their Families

Six-city national program tour - June through August, 2015

TORONTO, March 17, 2015 /CNW/ - FORCES & FAMILIES together with CannTrust are pleased to announce a new family health and mental wellness outreach program offered to Canadian veterans and their families, beginning this summer.  This program will provide education and support to Canadian veterans and their families who suffer from serious health issues and mental wellness challenges.

"While programs focused on family health and mental wellness have grown over the past few years, there remains a significant need for continued education and awareness especially for those Canadians who have dedicated their lives for others," announced FORCES & FAMILIES Chairman John Randolph.  "Beginning this summer FORCES & FAMILIES, in collaboration with our partner, CannTrust, will provide education and access to assessment tools, supported by a patient-centric care team consisting of physicians, nurses and pharmacists at each tour location."

Former Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, a legendary advocate for soldiers, veterans and their families has been a supporter of FORCES & FAMILIES since their inception in 2007, with programs encouraging ongoing awareness, support and dialogue.

"I'm very proud to support another FORCES & FAMILIES initiative and believe this program will have a very positive impact for the brave men and women and their families who have sacrificed so much to protect their fellow Canadians," said Hillier.

The six-city education and support program kicks-off in June, visiting local legion branches.

The tour dates include:

• June 13-14 – Barrie, Ontario
• June 20 – Kingston, Ontario
• June 21 – Trenton, Ontario
• July 15-16 – St. John's, Newfoundland
• July 18-19 – Halifax, Nova Scotia
• August 15-16 – Comox, British Columbia

"We are honoured to expand our relationship with FORCES & FAMILIES by bringing together the Family Health and Mental Wellness tour to those brave Canadians and their families who struggle with serious health concerns and mental wellness issues, including PTSD," says Norman Paul, Chairman of CannTrust.  "We should never forget what our military has contributed to Canadians and CannTrust stands tall and proud to support our forces and their families, in every way we can."

About FORCES & FAMILIES:

FORCES & FAMILIES is committed to supporting the brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families by raising awareness, morale and funds in affiliation with the Department of National Defence, through the Military Families Fund, and now Veterans through the Royal Canadian Legion and Veterans Affairs Canada.

Visit the FORCES & FAMILIES website at http://www.forcesandfamilies.ca.

About CannTrust Inc.

CannTrust received its license to distribute medical cannabis to patients who have a completed medical document from their physician in February 2015 and is currently offering 6 highly acclaimed strains of hydroponically grown pharmaceutical-grade cannabis.

Based in Vaughan, Ontario, CannTrust is committed to producing the highest quality pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis; promoting evidence based clinical research; and providing exceptional customer support.  To do so, CannTrust has invested in its state-of-art hydroponic facility and onsite laboratory equipped with leading-edge technology, and has an exceptional team of pharmacists, nurses, scientists, laboratory technicians, master growers and call centre specialists.

The company places a focus on patient education about medical cannabis across Canada through partnerships with a variety of patient and physician-based organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Survivor Network, FORCES & FAMILIES, Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids among others and provides the most comprehensive patient assistance program for patients with financial needs in Canada.

For more information, visit CannTrust.ca or call 1-855-RX4-CANN (794-2266).

SOURCE Forces & Families

John Randolph, FORCES & FAMILIES, [email protected], 416-410-0185; Tova Manett, CannTrust Inc., [email protected], 647-872-2305