ST. JOHN'S, NL – Bell and Bell Aliant have announced $15,000 in funding for the implementation of an innovative mental health initiative with College of the North Atlantic (CNA).
Funded through the Bell Let's Talk Community Fund, the gift will enable the college to certify several staff members as instructors for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, a program under the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Each of the certified instructors will then deliver the MHFA training three times over the next year, with the potential to reach approximately 200 colleagues, students and community groups from across the province.
Mental Health First Aid provides help to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.
"As a college we want to ensure the best learning and working environment for our students and staff. Providing a mental health support network is a key component to creating that environment," said Ann Marie Vaughan, CNA's President and CEO. "The training provided by funding from the Bell Let's Talk Community Fund helps us to be proactive in identifying the internal and external services and resources that can assist all members of our college community."
The Bell Let's Talk Community Fund is part of the Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative which provides grants to organizations, hospitals and agencies focused on improving access to mental health care in their communities.
"This partnership with the college demonstrates our commitment to support mental health initiatives that will have a meaningful impact in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said Geoff Davis, Regional Vice-President of sales in Newfoundland and Labrador, Bell Aliant. "Mental health first aid training will help their staff recognize and react to the signs of distress, anxiety, depression and other related issues so students can receive early access to care and services."
The Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative is a five-year charitable program that promotes mental health across Canada through the Bell Let's Talk anti-stigma campaign and support for community care, research and workplace best practices.
