The Mental Health Commission of Canada welcomes Mike DeGagné to its Board of Directors

CALGARY, Sept. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - The Mental Health Commission of Canada is pleased to announce the election of Mike DeGagné to its Board of Directors.

Mr. DeGagné, PhD, is the executive director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, a national Aboriginal organization dedicated to addressing the legacy of Canada's residential school system.

He has more than 25 years of experience in the addiction and mental health field and is a national and international lecturer on issues of Aboriginal health, residential schools, reconciliation and governance.

Mr. DeGagné was formerly the Chair of the MHCC's Advisory Committee on First Nations, Inuit and Métis.  He is also the Chair of the Child Welfare League of Canada, and past Chair of Ottawa's Queensway Carleton Hospital.

"The recently released Mental Health Strategy for Canada talks about the need to work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis and consider their special needs when looking at ways to improve the mental health system. I'm hoping to work closely with the Board to reach more Canadians with this message, and to ensure that we continue to focus on services that consider this reality," says Mr. DeGagné.

The MHCC Board is made up of non-government directors and government-appointed directors from across Canada. Mr. DeGagné, who is from Ontario, is one of four new members named to the MHCC Board this week.

"The experiences and expertise of our new board members will be tremendously beneficial in guiding the Commission as we continue to present the national mental health strategy to policy makers, service providers and others across the country," says MHCC Board Chair David Goldbloom, MD. "They will play an important role, directing the MHCC in its mission to make mental health a higher priority for our country and to achieve change for people living with a mental health problem or mental illness."

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 spark change.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada.
www.mentalhealthcommission.ca
strategy.mentalhealthcommission.ca

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.

SOURCE: Mental Health Commission of Canada

Kyle Marr, Senior Communication Specialist
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Office: (403) 385‐4050
Cell: [phone]
[email protected]