HWCDSB schools not only #GETLOUD about Mental Health, but are lighting the way for the hundreds of thousands of young people and adults who suffer from some form of mental illness.

During Mental Health Week (May 2-8), the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board is joining the green movement by lighting up its central administration building, the Father Kyran Kennedy Catholic Education Centre, to raise awareness about mental health, decrease the stigma, and increase understanding and acceptance of people with mental health issues and illness.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), 20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime.

“That is why it’s so crucial to have open and safe dialogue on mental health and mental illness,” says Mental Health Lead, Jenny Athanasiou-Malisa.

It’s a conversation that has become deeply ingrained in the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board in recent years. A Student Mental Health and Addiction Strategy, implemented in September 2014, ensures that HWCDSB schools are “healthy places and spaces” for students and staff.

“It’s time to #GETLOUD about mental illness,” says Athanasiou-Malisa. “Mental illness isn’t selective. It affects people of all ages, educational and income levels, and cultures.”

Visit http://www.cmha.ca/ to learn more.