Shining green for CMHA Mental Health Week

Guelph City Hall, the University of Guelph, and THEMUSEUM in Downtown Kitchener are joining landmarks across the province in shining green during CMHA’s Mental Health Week (May 1-7) to #GETLOUD and raise awareness about the importance of addressing our mental health.

Having these sites go green is a very public way to remind the community that it’s important to talk about mental health and further fight the stigma and discrimination associated with the issue.

The local illumination campaign is part of a larger provincewide campaign that has resulted in more than 50 sites going green for Mental Health Week.

“This green campaign is a simple but effective way to show people in our community that we all need to consider our mental health like our physical health,” said Fred Wagner, Executive Director of CMHA Waterloo Wellington. “Imagine the progress we can make if we allow ourselves to talk about mental health the way we talk about cancer or other serious illnesses.”

“The lighting of the [University of Guelph] campus reminds us to reflect on our own attitudes towards mental health,” said Brenda Whiteside, associate vice-president of student affairs, in a release. “[Getting rid of] discrimination and stigma is important so that all members of our community will feel comfortable asking for help when needed.”

It’s not too late to join the local shine green movement. Local businesses, community organizations, churches and other partners are invited to get in on the action.

Participating is easy. Visit greenformentalhealth.ca and tell us what site you’ll light green.

No building to light up? No problem. Individuals can also take part by wearing green or taking pictures near sites illuminated green throughout the province and sharing them on social media using the hashtag #GETLOUD.