Mental Health Week

Since 1951, the first week in May has been celebrated by the Canadian Mental Health Association, its branches throughout BC and other community mental health agencies, as a time to promote- and inform the public about- good mental health.

“One in five British Columbians will develop a mental illness-but many more are mentally unhealthy,” says Bev Gutray, executive Director of the BC Division of the CMHA. “Mental health deserves the same commitment to action that physical health does.”

Dee Rathwell, coordinator at the Penticton Mental Illness Family Support and Information Centre, cites that “one in twelve people with a mental illness occupy a hospital bed. The only thing that has a higher hospital occupancy rate is cardio vascular disease.”

Taking care of your health means taking care of your mind, according to the CMHA.

This year’s Mental Health Week theme challenges British Columbians to” evaluate their mental well-being and take active steps to improve their mental health.”


The CMHA and local mental health agencies throughout the Okanagan are promoting good mental health and good mental health education this week by putting on various events. Contact your local mental health agency to find out what your community is doing.

“In Penticton” says Dee Rathwell “you can call the Mental Illness Family Support & Mental Illness Centre for more information about local Mental Health Week activities.”

The Centre’s phone number is 493-7338.