As Co-Chairs for the Canadian Alliance on Mental
Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH), it is our privilege to introduce the new
CAMIMH Campaign Chair for 2014: Florence Budden! Florence brings an
enthusiasm to the role that will surely translate in the campaigns this year
and will undoubtedly inspire more Canadians to join the conversation.
-Dave Gallson and John Higenbottam, CAMIMH Co-Chairs.
Hello! My name is
Florence Budden and I am a psychiatric nurse from Newfoundland and Labrador. It is my pleasure to introduce myself today
as the 2014 Campaign Chair for CAMIMH. I
began my nursing career in NL at the Waterford Hospital in 1988 after
graduation from Memorial University School of Nursing. In 1998 I began teaching
at the Centre for Nursing studies where I teach mental health clinical to Bachelor
of Nursing and Practical Nursing students along with other teaching that
includes health promotion and seniors care. I am certified by the Canadian
Nurses Association as a psychiatric/mental health nurse. In September, 2012 the
Canadian Nurses Association recognized me as a nurse to know in the area of
mental health.
I have been a volunteer all my life. In 1999 I became
involved with the Schizophrenia Society of NL (SSNL). I have held numerous
positions with SSNL and the Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) since. These
have included, Vice President of SSNL (2002-2004), President of SSNL (2004-2011),
Chair of the Advocacy Committee of SSC (2003-2009), to name a few. I am the
current President of SSC and also a board member of the Schizophrenia Society
of Canada Foundation.
I have represented SSC with the Canadian Alliance of Mental
Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) since 2011. I am involved with the Public Affairs Committee
at CAMIMH. In 2013, I was part of the Mental Illness Awareness Faces Campaign
selection committee.
This connection to volunteer work summarizes why I want to
be involved with CAMIMH in my new role as Campaign Chair for 2014. I believe
lives can be changed, recovery is possible and the mental health system in
Canada can be better, but only if we work together as a country to make this
happen. Throughout my life I always believed that I must be the change I want
to see in the world.
The Champions of
Mental Health campaign recognizes exceptional Canadians who have made
outstanding contributions to the field of mental health in Canada. Through this
campaign CAMIMH can spread the conversation about mental illness through every
region. I believe I am well suited in this role because anyone who knows me
knows how much I like talking!!! We need to continue the public discussion on
mental health and mental illness to reduce stigma and improve access to mental
health services. This campaign creates a network of inspiring advocates in
mental health and highlights the positive “can do” approach of Canadians.
Through the Faces of
Mental Illness campaign and Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) activities
we will continue the conversation on mental illness and mental health by
introducing Canadians to five inspiring individuals who represent positive
examples of recovery from mental illness who share their stories to help other
people on their recovery journeys and to create an environment across Canada
that supports recovery from mental illness.
I am very excited to be a part of this year’s campaigns and
to help move the mental health agenda forward as Campaign Chair for 2014.
