The Deadline to Nominate a Champion of Mental Health for 2013 Has Been Extended!

The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health Seeks Nominations from the Public

OTTAWA, Feb. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) announced they are extending the deadline for nominations for the Champions of Mental Health campaign.  CAMIMH is an alliance of Canada's leading mental health care and service organizations, representing health care providers as well as persons and families living with mental health issues. Nominations will now be accepted until March 21^st, 2013, a full three week extension.

CAMIMH's strength is that it brings together Canada's mental health communities.  The Champions of Mental Health Awards is one of Canada's premiere mental health advocacy events in recognition of individuals or organizations whose outstanding contributions have advanced the mental health agenda in Canada in the past year.

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. It is through the outstanding contributions from the public that CAMIMH is able to raise awareness and broaden the conversation about the need for improved access to services and support for mental illness in Canada.

"Mental illness is an issue that all Canadians face.  One in five 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 Champions, we are recognizing the work that is being done to raise awareness, end stigma and promote access to needed services and support that will make a difference for Canada's mental health," said Dr. Karen Cohen, Chair of Mental Illness Awareness Week campaigns 2013.

To nominate a Champion, please visit camimh.ca for details.  Submissions will be accepted until March 21^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

or to schedule an interview, please contact:

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