MSSS (Ministère de la Santé et des Services Sociaux du Québec) Officially Recognizes Regroupement Provincial en Santé et Bien-Être des Hommes

MONTREAL, Nov. 18, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Daniel Blanchette, President of the Regroupement provincial en santé et bien-être des hommes, Carole Poirier, Member for Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and Senior Vice President of the Quebec National Assembly and Diane Gadoury-Hamelin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Social Services, today announced the MSSS's official recognition of the Regroupement. On this occasion, Ms. Mme Gadoury-Hamelin presented, on behalf of Dr. Réjean Hébert, Minister of Health and Social Services, a recurring financial contribution of $30,000 to fund the Regroupement's various activities.

"We are very proud to receive this recognition today from the MSSS that will raise the profile of our different activities. We strongly believe that men's health and well-being are important issues in the discussion on public health. By bringing together 25 member organizations that work daily in this field, we seek to give a united voice to our members and stimulate meaningful dialogue on issues relating to this topic," said Mr. Blanchette.

"Our government is aware of men's specific needs and we are committed to providing them with suitable services. Changes in the health and social service landscape of the past few years are designed to reach out more effectively to the male population. I am delighted by today's announcement, which clearly underscores the importance of preventing illness and promoting health and well-being among men," Ms. Gadoury-Hamelin explained.

"I have closely monitored the Comité de suivi des actions en santé et bien-être des hommes for almost five years since the Rondeau Report, which highlighted the difficulties faced by men and particularly fathers. I am pleased this announcement was made in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, birthplace of Maisons Oxygène, which supports fathers and their children," concluded Ms. Mme Poirier.

Thanks to the MSSS's official recognition and financial support, the Regroupement provincial en santé et bien-être des hommes can develop a basic structure, including a visual identity and a membership recruitment program. A platform for claims will also be formulated in conjunction with members, followed by an annual national conference. These funds will permit lobbying the different levels of government and participating in various research projects.

As part of International Men's Day on November 19, some 30 activities promoting men's health and well-being will be organized throughout Quebec. These events, planned by different associations, including some Regroupement members, will be opportunities for raising Quebeckers' consciousness on these issues.

About the Regroupement Provincial en Santé et Bien-Être des hommes

The Regroupement provincial en santé et bien-être des hommes was established in 2011 with the primary goal of promoting the importance of men's' health and well-being by bringing together organizations working in this sector and lobbying the different levels of governments, along with decision-makers in community and institutional service networks.

SOURCE: Regroupement provincial en Santé et bien-être des hommes

For further information:

Christian Bélanger
Communications Officer
438-933-0545
[email protected]

Ariane Lareau
Press Secretary, Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister 
Responsible for Seniors
418-266-7171

Nicolas Koronkiewicz
Political Attaché to the Member for Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
514-873-9309
[email protected]