MAY 2-8, 2022

WHEREAS, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) introduced Mental Health Week (MHW) in 1951 to raise awareness of mental health in Canada. The objective of MHW is to shift societal beliefs and perceptions about mental health. It helps promote behavior’s and attitudes that foster well-being, support good mental health and create a culture of understanding and acceptance; and

WHEREAS, 1 in 5 Canadians experience mental illness or mental health issues in any given year, but 5 in 5 of us, have mental health as it is an essential part of everyone’s health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices; and

WHEREAS, all people in Canada need to promote, protect and nurture their mental health; and

WHEREAS, promoting empathy increases the likelihood of helping others, showing compassion and helps us to understand the perspectives, needs, and intentions of others; and

WHEREAS, the fountain at City Hall will be lit in green in support of this week.

NOW THEREFORE, I, the Mayor of the City of Thunder Bay, do hereby proclaim May 2 - 8, 2022, as Mental Health Awareness Week in the City of Thunder Bay.