Chair Henry recognizes World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day

Whitby, Ontario – The following statement is being issued on behalf of John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham:

“I would like to acknowledge today as both World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day. World Homeless Day aims to draw attention to the needs of our most vulnerable populations and provides an opportunity for the community to reflect on how they can get involved in ending homelessness.

Over the past few months, the Region of Durham has been working with the Durham Advisory Committee on Homelessness, other levels of government and community partners to ensure that residents experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness have the support they need during this unprecedented time of community crisis.

And we remain committed to finding housing solutions for all residents in Durham and ending homelessness in the community by 2024, as laid out in At Home in Durham, the Durham Housing Plan 2014-2024.

World Mental Health Day provides a chance to raise awareness of mental health issues and creates an opportunity for all partners working in mental health to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

The lives of people with mental health conditions are often plagued by stigma as well as discrimination, but did you know that one in five people will have a mental illness in their lifetime?

This is not an insignificant number. And although four in five will not, this does not mean they are always mentally healthy. It’s important to take care of your mental health just as you take care of your physical health. We can all improve our mental health and be more mindful of breaking through negative stigmas and stereotypes.

Today, we should all take a moment to reflect on the change we want to see in the world and in our community. And tomorrow, let’s make a commitment to be that change.”

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.