NEWS RELEASE
CMHA YORK REGION AND SOUTH SIMCOE
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Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott visits CMHA York and South Simcoe in celebration of Recovery Month
Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott joined Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), York and South Simcoe Branch in Aurora Wednesday for a reception celebrating recent graduates of CMHA wellness and recovery programs in recognition of Recovery Month this September.
“Our government is making mental health and addictions a priority and we are investing in services that directly help individuals and families struggling with addictions,” said Elliott. “During Recovery Month, our government is working with our partners like CMHA to build awareness, reduce stigma and support more Ontarians in their journey toward mental wellness and recovery.”
“CMHA York and South Simcoe thanks Minister Elliott for taking the time to recognize our clients for the hard work and dedication they’ve put into regaining their health,” said CMHA York and South Simcoe CEO Rebecca Shields. “This opportunity to engage with Minister Elliott today showed us that she believes in community-based mental health and addictions care. We look forward to continuing to work with government to find new and innovative ways to help people in need of mental health and addictions support in our region.”
“Having gone through the Humble Tiger Program with CMHA York South Simcoe, I’ve rediscovered that positive mental health and wellness is possible, no matter how bleak things may seem,” shares a CMHA York and South Simcoe client. “Encouragement and support from the staff at CMHA has been an important part of my recovery. I urge anyone who may be dealing with a mental health or addictions issue to seek help through their local CMHA.”
Each September, communities from across Ontario come together to celebrate the many pathways to recovery, reduce stigma and foster hope for overcoming addiction. Recovery Month promotes that with the right services and supports, recovery is possible, and calls for mental health and addictions issues to be treated the same way as other illnesses.
Fast facts:
• Almost half of individuals who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem.
• Once depression is recognized, help can make a difference for 80 per cent of people who are affected, allowing them to get back to their regular activities.
• People with a mental illness are twice as likely to experience problematic substance use compared to the general population. Similarly, people who experience problematic substance use are up to three times more likely to have a mental illness.
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
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