Stomping out Stigma at Frost Campus Mental Illness Awareness Day
Fleming College is aiming to “Stomp Out Stigma” through its upcoming Mental Illness Awareness Day at Frost Campus on Tuesday, Oct. 4.
Joining forces with Team 55, Let’s Tackle Suicide Awareness, the Frost Campus Mental Health Initiative Committee will highlight the importance of suicide prevention at the event. Dave Pogue from Team 55 will provide the keynote address around suicide prevention and next steps to reduce stigma related to mental illness. Jack Veitch from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and Chris Jardin from Peterborough AIDS Resource Network will also participate as guest speakers to encourage this important conversation.
“Fleming College is engaged in a conversation about mental health and how the college can support this important issue with a proactive, systematic approach,” says Melissa McQuaid, Counsellor at Frost Campus and a member of the Mental Health Initiative Committee.
The committee, which started as a grass roots campaign to bring awareness to substance use issues, including fentanyl, has broadened its scope to include other aspects of mental health, says McQuaid. It is composed of faculty, students, staff and community organizations, including the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit, City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service, FourCAST and CMHA.
Since its establishment in 2015, the Mental Health Initiative Committee has led several high profile events on campus that have promoted positive mental health, reduced stigma, fostered resilience, and supported those who struggle with mental health issues. These events included Bell Let’s Talk, Mental Illness Awareness Day, Stay Calm and Study On, a wellness workshop series and a substance use awareness campaign.
As part of Mental Illness Awareness Day at Frost, faculty members and musicians Joanna Hodge and Kent Hodgin will perform, and faculty member Ray Henderson, who is a member of the Citiots, will provide comic relief. Robin Nesbit, Coordinator of Recreation Services at the Lindsay Recreation Complex, will be dancing participants through Blake Shelton’s Footloose as the campus comes together to Stomp Out Stigma.
All are welcome to attend to enjoy food, music, improv, dancing and conversation from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 4. Let’s Stomp Out Stigma Together!
About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 5,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 71,000 alumni.
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Media, for more information please contact:
Laura Copeland
Communications Officer
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370