Opening Minds

Attitudes towards mental health are changing. Over the last 20 years there has been a remarkable shift from stigmatizing to understanding, from suffering in silence and isolation…to acceptance and seeking treatment.

While great strides have been made in Changing The Way People Think about mental health, there is still much work to be done. And with mental illness touching one in five Nova Scotians, it’s more important than ever that we continue to make progress.

Consider this: the cost of supporting someone with serious mental illness in the hospital is $468 per day. Compare that with $94 per day it costs to support that same person in the community.

Fortunately, a new model of health care is emerging. It is one that moves away from costly hospital and institutional-based care…and towards community-based care that supports self-determination and integration.

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Opening Minds Capital Campaign is focused on raising funds for community-based services and support through this new model of care. As we open our minds and hearts, we open doors for mental health patients to stay connected to their community in the process of healing, recovering and achieving quality of life.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about mental health – and how you can help change the lives of Nova Scotians dealing with mental health issues. I know that together, we can really make a difference.

Sincerely,

Greg Grice, Chair
Opening Minds Capital Campaign