When "I" is replaced by "WE", Illness becomes Wellness.

 The month of May is Mental Health Month, and holds dear to many people within our community and across the planet. On average 1 in 5 adult Canadians suffer a mental disorder in their lives, and it's quite likely that you personally know someone with a mental illness. People all across the world are accepting who they are, and embracing those they love who suffer from mental illnesses. So many are bravely reaching out for the help they need, but sadly some are not. It's important to know that there is hope and help around us!

The City of Airdrie has so many wonderful facilities and services available to us, including:

  • Community Links located on Main Street- 403-945-3900. Community Links offers a diverse selection of programs and services for all ages and situations
  • Airdrie and Area Health Cooperative (AAHC)-403-660-5941, AAHC is a new program in Airdrie with the vision to improve the mental, social and physical health for the members of our Community.
  • The Thumbs Up Foundation -https://thethumbsupfoundation.com/contact-us/, The Thumbs Up Foundation helps establish and connect resources for those suffering from mental Illness
  • The Suicide Hotline- 1-800-784-2433 available 24/7
  • Mental Health Hotline- 1-877-303-2642 available 24/7

Our community of Airdrie also hosts so many amazing events to support those with mental illnesses, and we also have incredible Mental Health Ambassadors. We've intereviewed ambassador Mackenzie Murphy who has been a long time advocate for Mental Health and Anti-Bullying in Airdrie and across the world. She recently attended the Difference Makers Symposium and Gala put on by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Here is what Mac has to say about what Mental Health means to her :

 It's important that we remember there is help all around us and to lift each other up as a community.

Together we can fight mental illness, and together we will win.