Kelowna is kicking off Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) annual Mental Health Week (May 1-7) by issuing a call to action to our community to speak up and "Get Loud" for better access to the mental health services individuals and families need.
“Mental Health Week is important because it gets us talking about something that affects each and every one of us,” said Mayor Colin Basran.
“This week puts an exclamation mark on the need to Get Loud about mental health in our community.”
According to a press release from CMHA, one in seven young people in Kelowna struggle with mental health issues, with 75% of mental illness starting in childhood.
“CMHA Kelowna believes in a mentally healthy community, one where people aren’t afraid or embarrassed to ask for help," said Shelagh Turner, Executive Director of CMHA Kelowna.
"A community where the right help is available at the right time. One of the biggest barriers we face is stigma that is perpetuated by silence.”
CHMA encourages starting a dialogue with a friend, family member or even a family doctor. Residents can also show support for mental health week on social media by using #GETLOUD or interacting with CMHA Kelowna on Facebook and Twitter.
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