OTTAWA - Bell will put $50 million into mental health programs over the next five years, the company said Tuesday. Canadians need to reduce the stigma associated with a problem that affects most families, the company's CEO said in a statement. "It's become apparent to Bell there's more to be done on understanding mental health issues," said George Cope. "One in five Canadians will experience mental health issues in their lives.
"Mental health is...still one of the least-funded areas of health," and accounts for 15% of health problems in Canada but gets only 6% of funding, Olympic medallist Clara Hughes added some star power to the event in Ottawa and will act as the face of the Let's Talk campaign. The campaign will donate 5 cents to mental health programs for every text message Bell customers send and every long distance call they make on Feb. 9, 2011.
Hughes, a six-time Olympic medallist, says the campaign is personal for her because she was depressed for two years after her first Olympic games. She asked to be part of the campaign because she wants to reduce the "ridiculous" stigma of mental illness.
Hughes, a six-time Olympic medallist, says the campaign is personal for her because she was depressed for two years after her first Olympic games. She asked to be part of the campaign because she wants to reduce the "ridiculous" stigma of mental illness.
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