Awareness Campaign Launched

Breakthrough

Fall 2005

CAMH: We're transforming lives

Ron Ellis

On May 2, 2005, CAMH launched the Transforming Lives awareness campaign. This campaign has been created to help break down the stigma surrounding problem substance use and mental illness, which can add to the burden of symptoms and prevent people from receiving timely and effective treatment.

Our Transforming Lives awareness campaign was developed to let people know that these problems are common, that there is a reason for hope for recovery, and that help is available. The advertisements prompt people to contact the R. Samuel McLaughlin Addiction and Mental Health Information Centre, where callers and visitors can inquire about the diverse range of support and care programs that are available to them through CAMH.

The campaign has resulted in a dramatic increase in requests for information and help. The McLaughlin Centre alone has handled 11,302 more calls between May and October than it did during the same period last year, and our Emergency Room staff tell us that numbers of patients have arrived with copies of the Transforming Lives ads in their hands. Along with advertisements in major newspapers and magazines, the two-year campaign features public service announcements which air on radio and television stations throughout Ontario. Costs for the campaign have been covered through donations to the CAMH Foundation.

This bold public awareness campaign puts a face to the problems people have with substance use and mental illness issues by highlighting personal success stories. All participants in the campaign have a special relationship with CAMH, many having benefited from the care of our staff and programs. Those who have chosen to share their personal triumphs in support of CAMH are:

• Michael Wilson — Since his son's struggle with depression culminated in suicide in 1995, the former Finance Minister has become a passionate mental health advocate.
• Paulette Walker — An addiction to crack-cocaine cost her everything. Paulette now works as a chef at CAMH and speaks to inmates at the Don Jail, inspiring them to rebuild their lives.
• Ron Ellis — Ron played on Toronto's Stanley Cup-winning Toronto Maple Leaf team while battling depression.
• Patricia Newman — An elementary school teacher who overcame crippling depression and returned to the job that she loved.
• The Honourable James K. Bartleman — The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario faced depression and now thrives. His Honour has dedicated his mandate, while in office, to mental health.
• Linda Stewardson — Having overcome horrific abuse, multiple addictions and an eating disorder, Linda now speaks about her experiences and volunteers in the area  of suicide prevention and depression.
• Dan Carter — A successful television host in Oshawa who overcame abuse and addiction.

For more information on CAMH's Transforming Lives Campaign, to see the campaign's stories or to hear the radio PSA's, please visit www.camh.net

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