CTV News Toronto health and lifestyle journalist Pauline Chan has been named the recipient of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division’s 2021 media award.
Though nominated by CMHA Peel Dufferin Branch for this year’s award, Chan’s coverage of mental health and addictions care has involved other CMHA branches across the Greater Toronto Area as well as CMHA Ontario provincial initiatives over the past several years.
Of particular note this year, CMHA Peel Dufferin highlighted a pair of important stories Chan covered with depth and professionalism. The first was a story about the branch’s 2021 Ride Don’t Hide fundraiser, which focused on an individual with lived experience and highlighted the need for more mental health supports now more than ever. The second piece was a feature on CMHA Peel Dufferin’s new Bernardi Bursary, which helps individuals who have experienced systemic barriers have opportunities to become the mental health leaders of tomorrow.
“In a year dominated by news coverage of the pandemic, it’s refreshing that Pauline continued to prioritize such time and effort to reporting on mental health and addictions issues,” said CMHA Peel Dufferin CEO David Smith. “We appreciate Pauline’s commitment to telling meaningful stories that give a platform to important matters in community-based mental health and addictions care.”
“I’m so honoured to receive this recognition,” said Chan. “Mental health is a cause that is close to my heart. In particular, I’m passionate about elevating stories about those who face barriers or who could be a source of inspiration to others. This distinction reminds me that this work is meaningful to others and makes an impact. Thank you, CMHA.”
“While this media award is for 2021, our working relationship with Pauline goes back years and really she deserves to be recognized for her proven, long-term record of quality reporting,” said CMHA Ontario CEO Camille Quenneville. “We thank Pauline for the great work she does and hope we’ll continue to be a trusted voice on mental health and addictions care in the years ahead.”
The annual CMHA Ontario media award recognizes an organization and journalist who best exemplifies the spirit of CMHA through coverage that promotes mental health issues, reduces stigma associated with mental illness and broadens the public’s understanding of mental health and addictions issues.
About Pauline Chan
Pauline Chan is a video journalist for CTV News Toronto, specializing in health and lifestyle reporting. When Chan was a child, people would often ask her if she wanted to be a doctor like her dad or a nurse like her mother. While she didn’t end up following either of those career paths, she did grow up with a fascination for all things medical and scientific. She brings that enthusiasm to each of her health and lifestyle reports for CTV Toronto, a beat she’s covered since March 2010. Chan has held numerous positions with CTV News Toronto, ranging from general assignment reporter to co-anchor of the station’s CTV News at 11:30, a position she held for more than a decade. Chan is also an active community voice, participating in events such as Walk So Kids Can Talk and the Cathay Ball. She is also a popular emcee for many events in Toronto’s Chinese and Filipino communities.
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.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Justin Dickie
Senior Strategic Communications Advisor
Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
T: 416-977-5580, ext. 4175
E: jdickie@ontario.cmha.ca