NEWSMAKERS
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS How our members are growing Halifax
CMHA NS ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Board of Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division announced the appointment of Karn Nichols as Executive Director. She will be welcomed on July 12, 2021. With a deep compassion for those struggling with mental health and addiction, Karn brings more than 25 years of leadership experience, in both the “for profit” and “for impact” sectors. She looks forward to collaborating with key partners around the province and across Canada to re-imagine mental health care for the future.
VIA RAIL’S OCEAN SERVICE TO RESUME VIA Rail Canada is resuming its Ocean services starting August 11th, following the hiatus due to COVID-19. The return will occur progressively beginning with one weekly round trip. Although VIA Rail will continue to deploy strict pandemic restrictions, they are excited to provide this service again. “To follow and respect guidelines and recommendations from public health authorities and provincial government, we could not provide our passengers the service and frequencies offered under normal circumstances,” said Cynthia Garneau, President & CEO. “Our objective has always been the safe resumption of the Ocean when conditions allowed it, and we could not be happier to be able to finally proceed with the gradual return to service in this region.”
8
CENTRE NAMED TO HONOUR PRESIDENT EMERITA DR. SHEILA A. BROWN Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU)named its Centre for Applied Research in recognition of former President, Dr. Sheila A. Brown. Opened in 2018, the Centre is home to researchers breaking ground in areas of human health. “I can think of no more fitting gesture to recognize Dr. Brown’s significant support of MSVU than naming this key research centre in her honour,” said Dr. Ramona Lumpkin, CM, Interim President & Vice-Chancellor of MSVU. “She was an exemplary leader during her tenure as MSVU President and her dedication to the university has been unwavering since. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Brown’s continued commitment to the MSVU community.” Recently, Dr. Brown and her husband made a significant financial commitment to the university, cementing an everlasting relationship with the Mount.
SEPTEMBER 2021
KIDS’ HELP PHONE PEER-TO-PEER COMMUNITY Kids’ Help Phone hears daily from young people who often feel they are alone, as it relates to their issues. Now, a new virtual, moderated and supported community created by youth is finally here. The Peer-to-Peer Community is a bilingual, online mental health support forum available across Canada. Youth can anonymously share their personal experiences, offer inspiration and ask questions to connect, comfort and cheer each other on. Kids Help Phone collaborated with hundreds of youths, aged 16 to 26 across Canada, to co-create this platform. With input every step of the way, young people can now navigate support through the “community” with their peers.