KAWARTHA LAKES-The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) celebrates the 72nd Mental Health Week from May 1st to May 7th. The theme of this year’s Mental Health Week is MY STORY and aims to shine a spotlight on community mental health care champions, programs and communities while showcasing the importance of securing universal mental health care.
According to HKPR, new data reveals that 87% of people living in Ontario want universal mental health care. Universal mental health care means the services needed are available, they are funded through public health insurance plans and free to the individual, and they are the same – no matter where a person lives or who they are.
“We hear stories from people across the country every day that services are hard to find and not available to everyone,” says Margaret Eaton, National CEO, CMHA. “Just like physical health, mental health is important to living a fully engaged life. Which is why mental health services should be fully covered.”
The survey found that of the 37% of people who have experienced a mental health concern in the past year, 34% did not reach out for help primarily because it is too expensive or because they don’t know where to find it. The research also showed that 57% of people living in Ontario would access mental health care through a community organization with a free program.
“Mental health care doesn’t just happen in a doctor’s office or in a hospital. There are community-based mental health services that work together with the medical system, and they need to be properly funded. They must also be easy-to-find, free and available where people live, work and play,” says Eaton.
Local Mental Health Week Events:
Tuesday, May 2:
Reflections on a Musical “Lucy and Maaya” with proceeds supporting CMHA HKPR
Grand Maple Event Centre, Hastings
7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30)
Tickets available at: https://www.voicesoflightmusicschool.com/event-details/reflections-on-a-musical-lucy-and-maayaa
Wednesday, May 3:
CMHA HKPR Strategic Plan Art Show
Lindsay Square Mall, Lindsay
3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
FREE
Friday, May 5:
First Friday Art Show Featuring CMHA HKPR Strategic Plan Artwork
CMHA HKPR at 415 Water Street and 466 George Street, Peterborough
6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
FREE
This Mental Health Week, we can harness the power of storytelling to help build connections and understanding between each other while strengthening our community. To get involved, you can also:
- Share your story and support for universal mental health care using the hashtags #MyStory and #MentalHealthWeek
- Learn about different types of mental health supports and how they can be used to support you or someone in your community
- Visit www.mentalhealthweek.ca for more information and to download resources
- Donate to support CMHA HKPR mental health programs and services by visiting cmhahkpr.ca/donate
- Connect with CMHA HKPR if you or someone you love is struggling by calling 705-748-6711. If you are in crisis, please call Four County Crisis at 705-745-6484 or toll-free at 1-866-995-9933.
