A new national awards program will celebrate the efforts of individuals, teams and businesses who worked to support the mental health needs of their colleagues, employees and communities after the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020 to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Created in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores), Pandemic Heroes – Standing Up for Mental Health is a celebration of Canada’s collective commitment to mental health.
Whether it was an employer introducing virtual services to support the mental health needs of its employees, businesses making donations to support those working on the front lines or a young person organizing the creation of a rock garden to raise the spirits of our healthcare heroes, there are multiple examples of Canadians finding ways to lift each other up during the pandemic.
“The pandemic has caused extreme levels of stress and anxiety for people across Canada,” says Margaret Eaton, National CEO of CMHA. “We have also seen people display great resiliency during these times of crisis. We celebrate the individuals and communities that continue to meet this challenge with heartwarming care, creativity and compassion.”
Pandemic Heroes is now accepting award nominations from across Canada to recognize efforts in the following categories:
• Caring Partner – Private business which went above and beyond to support essential service workers
• Community Leader – Individual aged 19 or older who positively impacted the mental health of their community
• Essential Service Employer – Business or organization which supported the mental health needs of their essential service employees
• Inspiring Youth – Individual aged 18 or younger who positively impacted the mental health of their community
• Healthcare Hero – Individual or team who enhanced the mental health of colleagues, patients and/or community members while continuing to provide direct patient care
Nominations are currently being accepted through to August 27, 2021 and will be reviewed and selected based on predetermined criteria.
A complete description of the awards program and nomination form is available through www.pandemicheroes.ca.