Acadia University Fights Stigma of Mental Illness Through Film

Medavie Health Foundation supports ‘Movies for Mental Health’ youth event to create dialogue and action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 1, 2017

Wolfville, Nova Scotia – Art With Impact Canada is proud to partner with the Medavie Health Foundation to offer Movies for Mental Health at Acadia University on March 8, 2017.

Movies for Mental Health will take place on campus the evening of March 8th from 6:00 – 8:00pm in the KC Irving Centre Auditorium. This two-hour workshop is one of ten taking place throughout Canadian postsecondary institutions this Winter 2017, and one of three in the Maritimes this semester.

Movies for Mental Health is a free workshop and dinner will be provided for attendees. The workshop consists of a facilitated discussion, viewing of three short films from the OLIVE Film Collection on the topic of mental health, and a community and campus resource panel connecting attendees with accessible mental health resources in the Kings County region. This event is open to students, staff, and faculty of the university as well as to community members.

Quick Facts

  • 75% of all mental health concerns have their onset during childhood or adolescence. Half of all lifetime cases begin by age 14, three-quarters by age 24, yet only one in five young people get the mental health help they need.
  • Statistics Canada reveals that young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group.

Quotes

“All too often, the stigma surrounding mental illness prevents people from seeking mental health services and support. Movies for Mental Health offers a creative approach to dispelling mental health myths, while encouraging young people to seek the help they need in leading healthy, productive lives. This program is an example of a different kind of health care – one that doesn’t start in a doctor’s office, but in our schools and communities. ”

– Patty Faith, Executive Director, Medavie Health Foundation

“Movies for Mental Health provides students with a safe and innovative way to talk about mental health on campuses. Students make emotional connections to the films, increasing their understanding and building compassion for themselves and their experiences. We are delighted to be a part of this collaboration between Art With Impact Canada, Urban Pardes and Medavie Health Foundation who, in funding this project, is clearly demonstrating their commitment to innovative approaches for mental health.”

– Natalie Daley, Director, Art With Impact Canada

Associated Links

www.artwithimpact.org

www.medaviehealthfoundation.ca

Art With Impact Canada is a charitable organization that promotes mental wellness by creating safe spaces for young people to learn and connect through film, reducing stigma and connecting students to accessible mental health resources.

Medavie Health Foundation is funded by Medavie Blue Cross and Medavie EMS as part of a long-term commitment to make a lasting impact in the communities where our employees and customers live and work. The Foundation is focused on three core causes of particular concern to Canadians – child and youth mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, and type 2 diabetes. It aims to bring organizations and communities together through collaborative multi-year partnerships and to support grassroots, community-based initiatives through an annual grants program.

 


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