“We have come a long way- but there is still a long way to go. The more we can all work together integrating health care and community supports, the better we will be.”
Community mental health and addiction programs provide vital support to Nova Scotians while reducing stigma and improving access to care. That’s why two Nova Scotia physicians have committed to raising $50,000 dollars for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. On Friday March 6, IWK Chief Psychiatrist Dr. Alexa Bagnell, and Family Physician Dr. Howard Conter will perform as part of A Different Stage of Mind- 20/20 in 2020 A Vision for Mental Health.
“Everyone in our province will be impacted by mental illness either directly or indirectly,” says Dr. Alexa Bagnell. “Support for individuals living with mental illness and their families is so important in recovery and often the needs are beyond what can be provided within the formal health care system. It is through community programs and partnerships that many are helped in their recovery.”
A Different Stage of Mind has raised more than 3 million dollars over the past 17 years, enabling the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia to increase financial support to mental health and addiction initiatives throughout the province. The registered charity is committed to providing hope and eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction, by funding community services and supports. The Foundation works in tandem with the provincial health care system to meet the priorities outlined in the Blueprint for Mental Health and Addiction- improving access to care, and supporting integration of services with a goal of meeting the mental health needs of all Nova Scotians.
“The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia fills the gaps that are not provided by public funding,” says Dr. Howard Conter. “Without the Foundation, the gap of mental health services and treatment would be so much wider than it is now. We’d be so far behind, it would be very worrisome.”
Both doctors are longtime supporters of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. Conter is a loyal donor who’s been heavily involved in the Foundation’s fundraising events for more than a decade. Together with his children, Adam and Jenna, the trio will bring to life a series of songs from the big band era as The Conter Crooners.
“The Foundation funds programs and services that allow people the chance to talk about and deal with these very important issues,” emphasizes Conter. “The more services that are available, the more time they’ll get to understand their diagnosis, and learn that it’s okay to talk about it. It makes a huge difference in their recovery time. It’s not just a couple of appointments. It’s consistent visits that work on overall mental health well into the future.”
Dr. Alexa Bagnell will be performing a compilation of ABBA’s greatest hits as one of two dozen women who form The Glorious Ladies. Bagnell is a longtime volunteer with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. She sits on the selection committee for the annual Let’s Keep Talking Awards, was a Keynote Speaker for the Opening Doors & End Family Violence Campaign, and is a regular contributor to the Foundation’s news and education initiatives.
“I see the impact of stigma on a daily basis, says Dr Alexa Bagnell. “We all have our part to play in this: in the language we use, the hope we give, and the actions we take. I am a strong advocate for mental health and getting accurate information to the public to increase awareness and help seeking. The Foundation helps support such initiatives in our community, and this is my small part to play in helping them continue this important work.”
The Foundation invites all members of the Nova Scotia Health Authority to join in its efforts to increase financial support to community mental health and addiction initiatives. To learn more about A Different Stage of Mind, buy tickets/tables or donate, click here.