Vancouver to Host International Mental Health Leadership Conference in 2015

OTTAWA, June 19, 2014 /CNW/ - The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) was proud to participate in the ninth annual International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) Conference – a gathering of global health executives, held in Manchester, England from June 9-13.  Canada will host the 2015 IIMHL conference in Vancouver, September 21-25.

The IIMHL sets out a bold agenda with an aim to bettering the lives of people around the world by improving the quality of, and access to, mental health care.

"The conversation around mental health has been changing and since 2003, IIMHL has been instrumental in leading that change," said Louise Bradley, President & CEO of MHCC. "Canada is fortunate to sit at the table with other member countries, to share best practices and exchanges ideas with those who are equally committed to improving mental health care."

The MHCC was widely represented at this year's events.  Canada presented on a range of topics, including the progress of the MHCC's National Standard on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace and #308conversations, the MHCC's recently launched suicide prevention initiative, aimed at encouraging federally-elected Members of Parliament to lead a dialogue in their communities.

As a city that embraces mental health best practices, Vancouver is well-positioned to host next year's international conference. Vancouver has embraced the efforts of the Mental Health Commission in a number of ways.  From the At Home/Chez Soi Project – MHCC's initiative to address chronic homelessness among people living with mental illness — to the innovative approaches to addressing police interactions with people with mental illness, Vancouver has embraced the efforts of the MHCC and our partners.

"The importance of addressing the mental health needs of all of our citizens cannot be overstated," Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said in a video to this year's conference delegates. "We look forward to hosting the 2015 conference, to learning from mental health experts from all over the world, and sharing Vancouver's success stories."

Canada will be co-hosting the 2015 IIMHL conference, along with the United States.  Events will take place on both sides of the border.   

ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA

The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for change. We are collaborating with hundreds of partners to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to help people who live with mental health problems and illnesses lead meaningful and productive lives. Together we create change. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada.

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The views represented herein solely represent the views of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Production of this document is made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada.

SOURCE: Mental Health Commission of Canada

For further information: Media Contact: Glenn Johnson, Senior Media Relations Specialist, Mental Health Commission of Canada, Mobile: [phone], [e-mail]