The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) encourages social workers and all Canadians to next week (October 2-8, 2011) champion Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in our communities and places of work.
Beginning in 1992, MIAW provides faces to mental illness with a week devoted to promoting space for national dialogue and a public education campaign designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness.
"Mental illness affects most Canadians whether we are aware of it or not," stated CASW President, Morel Caissie. "And building our personal as well as professional understanding of mental illness breaks down the stigma and allows for greater understanding, acceptance and treatment."
It is estimated that by 2020, depressive illnesses will become the second leading cause of disease burden worldwide and the leading cause in developed countries like Canada. The overall goal of MIAW is to end the stigma associated with mental illness, and ensure better understanding and access to diagnosis and treatment.
The MIAW campaign includes the Faces of Mental Illness and Champions of Mental Health Awards. As well, for those who chose to involve themselves in promoting MIAW, downloadable campaign materials including MIAW posters and bookmarks are available by clicking here.
MIAW is coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) to which CASW is an organizational member.
