Nominations for the Champions of Mental Health Awards Accepted for 2013

We have officially opened nominations for the Champions of Mental Health Awards for 2013.  The eleventh annual Champions Awards will bring together political decision makers, business leaders, members of the national media, sponsors and other stakeholders to celebrate individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions have advanced the mental health agenda in Canada in the past year.

Each year, we honour a group of inspiring Canadians who work diligently to raise awareness about mental health and work to end the stigma associated with mental illness.  We are truly grateful for their efforts and these awards are a way to celebrate and recognize their remarkable contributions.

Our growing Champions alumnus represents some of the best advocates for mental health in Canada and each year this multi-disciplinary network of mental health experts grows.  This impressive scope of experts provides CAMIMH with a unique position to spread the conversation about mental illness into every region across Canada. This ever broadening network not only engages more mental health experts, but also demonstrates to Canadians the value of open discussion as a means to reducing stigma.

The gala to honour the 2013 Champions of Mental Health Awards recipients will be hosted on May 6^th 2013 at the Château Laurier.  The Champions of Mental Health Awards are a key component of CAMIMH’s annual awareness campaigns and are made possible through the generous support of its presenting sponsor Bell, as part of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative.  In 2012, CAMIMH received a record 40 nominations and had the difficult task of choosing only five recipients.   The 2012 Champions Awards recipients included: Retired Senator W. David Angus, Scott Chisholm, founder of the Collateral Damage Project, Dr. Trang Dao, Psychiatric Researcher, Michael Landsberg, TSN Broadcaster and the Cardinal Newman Peer Mentors.

 Mental illness is an issue that reaches everyone.  One in five Canadians will experience a mental problem or disorder in a given year.  Even more will know someone who has.  We hope that by recognizing some of the work that is being done to raise awareness, end stigma and promote access to needed services and supports will make a difference for Canada’s mental health.

 To nominate a Champion or purchase tickets, please visit camimh.ca for details.  Submissions will be accepted until March 1^st, 2013 in several categories including private sector; public sector; research; community (individual), and; community (organization).