AHS events to mark Mental Illness Awareness Week

SOUTH ZONE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) is hosting activities to mark this year’s Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 2-8), which focuses on spreading mental health awareness and reducing stigmas.

More than six million people in Canada are currently affected by mental illness yet many will not reach out for help for fear of being judged. Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) provides an opportunity to talk about mental health issues and the importance of early recognition, proper diagnosis and access to effective medical treatments and support.

To celebrate MIAW, AHS has partnered with the Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Taber public libraries to host a family movie night featuring the animated film, Inside Out. The film is set in a young girl’s mind, where five of her emotions take on a life of their own after she and her family move to a new community. Free popcorn and water will be offered, and mental health experts, resources and book displays will be available before and after the screenings.

Lethbridge
Inside Out, Main Branch Lethbridge Public Library (810 5 Ave. S.), Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.

Medicine Hat
Inside Out, Medicine Hat Public Library Theatre (414 1 St. E.), Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. AHS Addiction and Mental Health and community partners will be available to provide information, share resources and answer questions.

AHS Addiction and Mental Health, in partnership with the Hug/Myplace Mental Health Capacity Building Project, Station Coffee Company, Madhatter Roastery and Grind Alley Coffee House, will also be handing out mental health-related coffee sleeves with all coffees sold during the week. The sleeves provide positive messages about mental health and well-being.

Taber
Inside Out, Taber Public Library (5415 50 Ave.), Oct. 6 at 6:15 p.m. There will also be a mental health resource centre on display throughout the month of October, including various materials and self-help books.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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