HKPR District Health Unit Celebrates World Mental Health Day 2023
One in five Canadians experience mental health concerns every year.
Port Hope, ON (October 5, 2023) – As we approach World Mental Health Day, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is proud to join the global community in recognizing World Mental Health Day 2023, which falls on October 10th. This year's theme, "Mental health is a universal human right," emphasizes our commitment to promoting mental well-being for all.
World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity for individuals and communities to come together, fostering knowledge, awareness, and meaningful actions to promote and protect everyone’s mental health. Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being and is a right inherent to all people. It encompasses the right to protection from mental health risks, access to available, acceptable, and high-quality care, and the freedom to live independently and inclusively.
"One in five Canadians experience mental health concerns every year, impacting their well-being, physical health, and relationships,” said Joanne Brewster, Health Promoter for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Unfortunately, these conditions increasingly affect not only adults but adolescents and young people, highlighting the need for compassion, understanding, and urgency of access to mental health services and support for all.”
Access to mental health support services should be free of stigma or discrimination. Every person seeking help for their mental well-being deserves to be met with understanding, empathy, and respect. Stigmatizing or discriminating against individuals who seek support perpetuates the barriers to accessing care and can worsen their mental health. By breaking down these barriers, we can promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for mental health support services.
“The HKPR District Health Unit is committed to working and collaborating inclusively with community partners and individuals to champion the value, promotion, and protection of mental health,” said Lorna McCleary, Manager of Health Promotion, with the HKPR District Health Unit.
World Mental Health Day 2023 recognizes that having good mental health is a universal human right and that everyone deserves to live in environments where mental health is protected. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a healthier, more inclusive world for everyone.
To learn more about how to protect and promote mental health and well-being and for local support and information, visit hkpr.on.ca/MentalHealth.
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Media Contacts
Ashley Beaulac, Manager of Communication Services, HKPR District Health Unit, 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1212, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca or Joanne Brewster, Health Promoter, HKPR District Health Unit, jbrewster@hkpr.on.ca, 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1330.
About the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides important public health programs and services to residents in Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Our dedicated team of public health professionals, led by our Medical Officer of Health, promote healthy living, protect against disease, and prevent illness and injury. We work with health care providers and community partners to address emerging health issues, service gaps and social inequities to support residents in being well and reaching their full potential. Our values of trust, engagement, accountability, and leadership guide what we do every day. Learn more at www.hkpr.on.ca.