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Panel discussion will educate young people about how to navigate mental health resources and access culturally affirming care
HAMILTON, November 10, 2022 – Hydro One and Jack.org are inviting youth in the Hamilton area to attend a free public Jack Talk about navigating mental health resources and the importance of culturally-affirming care. The event will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at McMaster University in the Michael DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery building, room 1102.
Mental illness affects 1.2 million youth in Canada, and by the age of 25, that number increases to 7.5 million, yet less than 20 per cent receive the treatment they need. The Unlocking Pathways to Mental Health Care Jack Talk and discussion is designed specifically for youth in their late teens and twenties who are interested in learning more about the realities of mental health resource navigation and the importance of identity and culturally affirming care.
“Asking for help is a crucial first step that has the potential to save a life. That’s why we’re pleased to partner with Jack.org to educate young people about how to access mental health resources and treatment,” said Jay Armitage, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Hydro One. “This free Jack Talk will demonstrate the impact culturally-affirming care can have and help students better understand how they can support one another in times of need.”
“The pandemic exacerbated the youth mental health crisis in Canada and broadly exposed cracks in a system that does not properly support or serve young people,” said Rowena Pinto, President and CEO, Jack.org. “Providing young people with resources to help understand their mental health and how to navigate what can often be inaccessible and inequitable care is critical if we want better youth mental health outcomes. We are delighted to be presenting this Talk at McMaster University and so thankful for Hydro One for helping us make this Jack Talk available to the public.”
The “Unlocking Pathways to Mental Healthcare” Jack Talk will be facilitated by Jack.org youth speakers and mental health advocates Julia Wickens, Linda Mouhamou, and Michelle Samcoe, who will be joined by Zeinab Khawaja, Health Promoter at McMaster’s Student Wellness Centre, and Charlotte Johnston MSW RSW, Mental Health Clinician at Stella’s Place for a panel discussion.
Attendees can expect to learn the following:
- General mental health knowledge and social determinants of mental health,
- How to be there for yourself and others
- Types of resources and supports and considerations around accessing them
- And more!
“In striving to be the healthiest campus, we need to put student wellness at the forefront, ” said Sean Van Koughnett, Associate Vice President (Students and Learning) and Dean of Students, McMaster University. “Providing students with mental health support has long been a priority at McMaster. Mental health issues sometimes begin to surface at university, and events like these are important because they create the space for students to learn more about the resources and services available and raise awareness of the preventative programs at McMaster and in the community. This can be pivotal in receiving the care they need to succeed.”
Eric Windeler and Sandra Hanington founded Jack.org in 2010 after losing their son to suicide. Eric and Sandra started Jack.org to engage youth in one of their generation's most critical health issues. The organization aims to educate youth on identifying mental health struggles in themselves and others and accessing the support they need.
With support from Hydro One, Jack.org will reach more than 11,000 young people this school year. Together, these organizations aim to break down barriers to accessing mental health resources and raise awareness about how to support those in need.
Registration for the Jack Talk at McMaster University on November 29, 2022, is now open and can be found here.
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Hydro One Limited (TSX: H)
Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with approximately 1.5 million valued customers, approximately $30.4 billion in assets as at December 31, 2021, and annual revenues in 2021 of approximately $7.2 billion.
Our team of approximately 9,300 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2021, Hydro One invested approximately $2.1 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, and supported the economy through buying approximately $1.7 billion of goods and services.
We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. We are designated as a Sustainable Electricity Company by the Canadian Electricity Association.
Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com, www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov.
About Jack.org
Jack.org is the only Canadian charity training and empowering a network of young leaders who lead mental health conversations among their peers thanks to innovative programs they help design. Through Jack Talks, Jack Chapters, Jack Summits, and Be There, young leaders identify and dismantle barriers to positive mental health in their communities. Jack.org is working towards a Canada where all young people understand how to care for their mental health and look out for each other. A Canada without shame, where all those who need support get the help they deserve. With thousands of young leaders across every province and territory, the movement is only just getting started. To learn more, please visit Jack.org and BeThereCertificate.org.
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