March 1, 2021 is Black Mental Health Day

On March 1, CMHA Elgin-Middlesex joins organizations across Ontario in recognizing Black Mental Health Day. This annual event aims to recognize the ongoing impact on mental health that results from staying silent on issues of anti-Black racism in public services and raise awareness of the specific mental health needs of Black communities across Ontario.

CMHA Elgin-Middlesex is committed to responding to the needs of its participants, staff and community stakeholders by ensuring that its programs and services are guided by evidence-based best and promising practices, which have a demonstrative effectiveness and recovery orientation. Our team is dedicated to building an organizational culture that provides equitable programs and services for marginalized, oppressed individuals, where participants, staff and community stakeholders can feel respected and valued for who they are. Guided by our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, we will strive to achieve an environment where different communities and individuals from various social locations are culturally and socially accepted, welcomed and treated equitably.

Per Bill 178, Black Mental Health Day Act, 2020: “There is a need to deliver mental health services using anti-oppression frameworks that recognize the long-standing and enduring impact of anti-Black racism on Black Ontarians. Taking this important step will lead healthcare professionals to work collectively to ensure that Black Ontarians can access pathways to allow them to live healthy lives.”

Want to learn more about Bill 178 and Black Mental Health Day? Visit the Legislative Assembly of Ontario website: http://bit.ly/3kpe3hg