Mental Health Week is gaining traction through traditional media channels and via social media, too.
CMHA Ontario CEO Camille Quenneville appeared on Global News’ Morning Show in Toronto on Monday to discuss the importance of reducing stigma in our society. She appeared alongside Ted Michaels of AM900 CHML radio station in Hamilton and host of the award-winning Wellness Wednesdays series. Michaels help spearhead the Get Loud campaign, which has now seen 68 landmarks illuminated green to recognize the value of positive mental health.
Other media outlets to cover the launch of Mental Health Week include the Hamilton Spectator.
CMHA Hamilton mental health promotion and resilience facilitator Jill Dennison said in the story that influencing change is of the utmost importance.
“Stigma is a learned behaviour so we are targeting younger people so they can make a change for the future,” she said. “We still need to reach adults, but we are on our way, and it’s picking up momentum.”
When it comes to social media, several prominent politicians tweeted about the week, including Canada’s Minister of National Defence Harjit Singh Sajjan, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins, Ontario’s Minster of Children and Youth Services Tracey McCharles and Toronto Mayor John Tory, Toronto Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly,.
Summer and Winter Olympian Clara Hughes and the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets were among the others to take to Twitter to show their support as the #GETLOUD, #MentalHealthWeek, #MHW2016 hashtags all trended in Canada on Monday.
Individuals can still take part by wearing green or taking pictures near numerous landmarks illuminated green throughout the province and sharing them on social media using the hashtag #GETLOUD.