Healthy minds are top of mind for a dozen local organizations and agencies that recently joined forces to create a committee and a two-week awareness campaign in support of mental health.
Beginning April 24, there will be activities and learning opportunities to encourage discussion and understanding around mental health, as the committee asks Jasper to “Stand Up For Healthy Minds.”
Events will range from mindfulness sessions to mental health first aid and the third annual J9 Sparkle Run—a fun run to raise money and awareness for mental health.
Jasper’s newly-formed Mental Health Awareness Committee was created a few months ago as an offshoot of Community Outreach Services’ community action teams (CAT).
“Supporting people with mental illness was identified as something that the community could do better at,” said Lisa Riddell, who facilitates the CAT meetings. “It was brought up at every lifestage at the CAT table, so we decided there was enough interest for an offshoot [committee].”
There are now about 30 members on the committee, ranging from addictions counsellors to healthcare providers and members of the RCMP.
“The community truly wants to do more for healthy minds,” said Riddell. “It’s a really wonderful feeling.”
Riddell said the two-week awareness campaign is just the beginning—it’s a kickoff to make the community aware of the committee and to get people talking about mental health. The plan is, after the two weeks is up, to continue hosting events throughout the year to keep mental health at the forefront of people’s minds.
“It’s so important to destigmatize mental illness,” said Kathleen Waxer, director of Community and Family Services. “Mental health isn’t unique. Many people have periods of time in their life when they’re not happy, they’re not healthy.”
Riddell agreed, noting that it’s similar to physical health—just like everyone deals with injuries and physical ailments during their life, they also deal with mental health issues.
“Mental health isn’t all that different—from having a down day to having a diagnosis,” she said.
In the coming weeks, posters will be plastered around town highlighting all of the services available to Jasperites, ensuring residents are aware of the supports that exists in the community. The hope is those posters will remain in place year-round, on bulletin boards and in staff rooms.
To participate in the awareness campaign, share photos with the hashtag #forhealthyminds.
Stay tuned to the Fitzhugh for a full schedule of events and for our second annual mental health issue.
Nicole Veerman
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