Bell pledges $50-million for mental health charities
TheGlobeandMail.com – Life/Health – Investments to focus on fighting stigma, investing in brain research, bolstering access and improving workplace
Published on Tuesday, Sep. 21, 2010. André Picard
Saying it is the single biggest health and social problem facing the country, Bell Canada will invest an unprecedented $50-million in mental health
charities over the next five years.
“Bell is stepping out to support this cause,” George Cope, the company’s president and CEO, said Tuesday.
“And today I’m calling on all corporate leaders to step up.”
Mr. Cope said the company’s new mental health program will focus its investments in four areas:
– combating stigma;
– bolstering community care and access;
– improving the workplace for those suffering from mental illness;
– investing in brain research.
Mr. Cope recited a litany of statistics, including the fact that one in five Canadians will suffer from a mental illness during their lifetime and that fewer that one-third of sufferers get prompt treatment.
The first high-profile initiative will be the “Let’s Talk” campaign on Feb. 09. On that day, Bell will donate 5 cents to a mental health charity for every text message and long-distance call.
The spokeswoman for the program will be Olympic athlete Clara Hughes.
At the press conference announcing her involvement, Ms. Hughes – whose smile is iconic – revealed that she had suffered from severe depression for two years after her first Olympic Games.
“It was the darkest days of my life. I couldn’t work, I couldn’t train,” she said.
Ms. Hughes said that she supports the cause because, like her “everybody should have a chance to heal, everybody has the right to access and support.”
Mary Deacon, chair of the Bell Mental Health Program, also spoke emotionally at the announcement.
“This is personal for me,” she said. “I lost my two brothers, David and Ted, to depression.”
She also announced the company’s first donation, a $1-million gift to Royal Ottawa Hospital. The money will go to improving access to care in rural and remote communities by expanding the hospital’s tele-psychiatry program.
Mr. Cope said that mental health is the single biggest cause of short-term and long-term disability in Canada.
So, in addition to donating money, he said Bell will lead by example by bolstering its workplace mental health programs.
“We’re going to adopt best practices,” Mr. Cope said. “We’re going to improve our return to work protocols.”
< http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/bell-pledges-50-million-for-mental-health-charities/article1716284/ >
Tags: Health, ideology, mental Health
This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 at 12:47 pm and is filed under Health Policy Context. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
327 Responses to “Bell pledges $50-million for mental health charities”
« Older Comments | Newer Comments »
Leave a Reply
Recent Comments
You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. Very high quality material!
I found your blog through google and I must say, this is probably one of the best well prepared articles I have come across in a long time. I have bookmarked your site for more posts.
You are good writer. Thank you.
I’m so happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe this website requirements a lot much more consideration. I’ll probably be once more to read much much more, thanks for that info.
Keep it up!. I usually don’t post in Blogs but your blog forced me to, amazing work.. beautiful A rise in An increase in An increase in.
The post is absolutely great! Lots of great info and inspiration, both of which we all need! Also like to admire the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer! I will bookmark your website!
I have been curious about these trends, and you have really helped me. I have just told a few of my friends about this on FaceBook and they love your content just as much as I do.
These kind of posts are always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content so I happy to find many good point here in the post. writing is simply wonderful! thank you for the post
Most often since i look for a blog Document realize that the vast majority of blog pages happen to be amateurish. Not so,We can honestly claim for which you writen is definitely great and then your webpage rock solid.
Aw, this was a very nice post. In idea I wish to put in writing like this moreover taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article! I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually recognize what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally visit my site =). We can have a hyperlink trade contract among us!
The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
Are grateful for this blog post, it’s tough to find good information and facts on the internet
A thoughtful insight and ideas I will use on my blog. You’ve obviously spent some time on this. Congratulations
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe this website requirements a lot much more consideration. I’ll probably be once more to read much much more, thanks for that info.
I imagine so. Very good stuff, I agree totally.
you’re in reality a just right webmaster. The web site loading velocity is incredible. It sort of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve performed a great process on this topic!
I’m partial to blogs and i actually respect your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and preserve checking for new information.
Saw your material, and hope you publish more soon.