The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health Opens Nominations for the Champions of Mental Health Awards

CAMIMH Calling for Submissions from Members of the Public

OTTAWA, Jan. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) has officially opened nominations for the Champions of Mental Health Awards for 2013.  The annual Champions Awards bring together political decision makers, business leaders, members of the national media, sponsors and other stakeholders to celebrate individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions have advanced the mental health agenda in Canada in the past year.

"Each year, we honour a group of inspiring Canadians who work diligently to raise awareness about mental health and work to end the stigma associated with mental illness," stated Dr. Karen Cohen, Chair of Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) 2013.  "We are truly grateful for their efforts and these awards are a way to celebrate and recognize their remarkable contributions."

Held each year in Ottawa, the gala to honour the 2013 Champions of Mental Health Awards recipients will be hosted on May 6^th 2013 at the Château Laurier.  The Champions of Mental Health Awards are a key component of CAMIMH's annual awareness campaigns and are made possible through the generous support of its presenting sponsor Bell, as part of the Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative.  In 2012, CAMIMH received a record 40 nominations and had the difficult task of choosing only five recipients.  The 2012 Champions Awards recipients included: Retired Senator W. David Angus, Scott Chisholm, founder of the Collateral Damage Project, Dr. Trang Dao, Psychiatric Researcher, Michael Landsberg, TSN Broadcaster and the Cardinal Newman Peer Mentors.

"Mental illness is an issue that reaches everyone.  One in five Canadians will experience a mental problem or disorder in a given year.  Even more will know someone who has.  We hope that by recognizing some of the work that is being done to raise awareness, end stigma and promote access to needed services and supports will make a difference for Canada's mental health," concluded Cohen.

To nominate a Champion, please visit camimh.ca for details.  Submissions will be accepted until March 1^st, 2013 in several categories including private sector; public sector; research; community (individual), and; community (organization).

Established in 1998, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is an alliance of mental health organizations comprised of health care providers and organizations representing persons with mental illness and their families and caregivers. CAMIMH's mandate is to ensure that mental health is placed on the national agenda so that persons with a lived experience of mental illness and their families receive appropriate access to care and support.

SOURCE: CANADIAN ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Kalene DeBaeremaeker, Champions Awards Organizing Committee
Tel. : [phone] Email: [email protected]