(Woodbridge, Sept. 25, 2020) – York Region radio station CFMS-FM 105.9 The Region has been named the recipient of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division’s 2020 local media award.
Nominated by CMHA York and South Simcoe Branch, 105.9 The Region was recognized with the award for its support of the branch in getting mental health information out to the local area and for championing the branch’s fundraising and awareness campaigns, such as Mental Health in Motion and Signs of Support.
Going above and beyond the call of duty for news media, 105.9 The Region proactively connected with CMHA York and South Simcoe to establish a partnership. The radio station has consistently sought opportunities to support the branch, such as offering airtime for mental health messaging, developing a content plan to help the branch maximize reach, promoting branch initiatives on social media, and providing comprehensive coverage of branch news and announcements.
Further, when COVID-19 began, 105.9 The Region made an extra effort to reach out to the branch for interviews that would assist people with their mental health during the pandemic.
“105.9 The Region is more than a radio station or media outlet, it’s a trusted partner and ally for our mental health and addictions services,” said CMHA York and South Simcoe CEO Rebecca Shields. “We sincerely appreciate the radio station’s desire to use its significant platform and standing in our community to ensure people know how to maintain their mental well-being and where to go for help if they need it.”
“It’s an honour to be recognized by CMHA Ontario and CMHA York and South Simcoe with their local media award,” said 105.9 The Region co-owner Debra McLaughlin. “Our station’s only intention was to seek out opportunities to support the health and wellness of our local communities. To be recognized for efforts we would’ve undertaken anyway is humbling, and it’s a nice reminder for us to continue serving the best interests of our neighbours.”
“CMHA York and South Simcoe’s nomination of 105.9 The Region truly stood out in that it painted a picture of more than just a business relationship – it really is a community partnership,” said CMHA Ontario CEO Camille Quenneville. “CMHA Ontario thanks 105.9 The Region for its leadership in the advancement of mental health and addictions matters in York and South Simcoe, and we’re pleased to present the station our 2020 local media award for its admirable efforts.”
The annual CMHA Ontario local media award recognizes organizations and journalists who best exemplify the spirit of CMHA with significant coverage of mental health issues in local communities across the province.
About Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. We work to improve the lives of all Ontarians through leadership, collaboration and continual pursuit of excellence in community-based mental health and addictions services. Our vision is a society that embraces and invests in the mental health of all people. We are a trusted advisor to government, contributing to health systems development through policy formulation and recommendations that promote positive mental health. Our 28 local CMHA branches, together with community-based mental health and addictions service providers across the province, serve approximately 500,000 Ontarians each year.
About Canadian Mental Health Association, York and South Simcoe Branch
The Canadian Mental Health Association, York and South Simcoe Branch was founded in 1984 and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illnesses. We help people learn how to maintain their mental health, look for and identify the signs of mental illness, and get help and support when they need it. Through several locations across York Region and South Simcoe, we provide a wide range of services to assist individuals with their recovery. Our multi-disciplinary team of professionals are dedicated to assisting people achieve their optimum level of mental health. For more information, visit www.cmha-yr.on.ca.
About 105.9 The Region
105.9 The Region (CFMS-FM) is an independently-owned and operated FM music service. 105.9 The Region launched in December 2013 with a focus on what was happening in Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan. Given the role of regional government and services in the day to day lives of people in these areas, the focus quickly expanded to cover York Region. With over 10 hours committed to news and traffic each week, 105.9 The Region keeps listeners informed of what is happening in their local community, whether it’s in York Region, across the Greater Toronto Area or anywhere in Canada. 105.9 The Region is York Region’s radio service and can be heard from Oshawa in the east to Guelph Line in the west to Lake Ontario in the south. Learn more at www.1059theregion.com.
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For more information, contact:
Justin Dickie
Communications Officer
Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
T: 416-977-5580, ext. 4175
E: jdickie@ontario.cmha.ca