This is Mental Health Week in Canada. CMHA Central Region Executive Director Jordan Friesen says the Canadian Mental Health Association started this tradition sixty-six years ago, noting the goal of the event is to raise awareness for mental health in communities all across our country. Friesen says they're encouraging Canadians to take some time to reflect on their attitudes toward mental health and mental illness, as well as taking positive action to talk about these issues and to promote their own good mental health.  This year's theme is "Get Loud For Mental Health."

Friesen notes for Monday CMHA Central in partnership with the Portage la Prairie school division is hosting a day-long event called "Building Your Mental Health Tool Kit." Friesen adds they're bringing together students from all across the division to spend the whole day learning about ten different strategies they can use to promote good mental health. He says they'll be learning in small groups along with local celebrities including the mayor, representatives from the RCMP, and other public figures students see in and around our community. Friesen notes the idea is to give youth the message that talking about mental health and working on these issues is something you can do at any age and it applies to everyone.

He adds on Friday CMHA Central will hold its eleventh annual "Office Olympics," which has become something of a tradition here in Portage. Friesen says they're encouraging organizations and businesses to put together a team of five to compete over the lunch hour in some fun and silly office games as a way to relieve stress at the end of the week. He notes it's also a chance for CMHA to provide some information about why mental health in the workplace is so important. Friesen says they already have four teams registered and they have room for six more, so if you'd like to register a team you can call their office directly or send an email to info@cmhacentral.ca. He notes all participants will be treated to a free lunch during the event.

Friesen adds more information can be found at mentalhealthweek.ca, including digital assets for social media. He encourages people who feel strongly about mental health in our community to consider donating to CMHA Central or becoming a member, all of which can be done on-line through the organization's website.