As part of Mental Health Week 2014, General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, and Mr. George Weber, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group (The Royal), today participated in the “Connecting Communities of Care” forum to share the newest episodes of The Mind’s the Matter – a web-based, interactive video series for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) families who live with someone suffering from an Operational Stress Injury (OSI).
The event highlighted mental health programs and services available for CAF personnel and their families, such as You’re Not Alone, a new mental health guide intended for CAF members and their families to help connect them to the many resources available.
“Mental Health Week serves as a reminder that our mission to care for our own is ongoing and has no end date. Today’s event highlights the exceptional services available to members and their families, brings our partners and caregivers together, and provides a great venue for discussion. The health and wellbeing of CAF members will continue to be a top priority for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.”
General Tom Lawson,
Chief of the Defence Staff
“Operational Stress Injuries do not affect individuals alone, they impact entire families who must learn to understand and cope with the challenges presented by these injuries. The Mind's the Matter series supports the well-being of spouses, children and other family members who play an important role in the treatment and recovery of their loves ones. This initiative is a natural extension of The Royal's Operational Stress Injuries clinic which, since 2009, has been providing treatment and support for Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families who are affected by operational stress injuries.”
Mr. George Weber,
President and CEO, The Royal
“Mental Health Week provides an opportunity to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ensuring that Canadian Armed Forces members and their families remain strong, confident, and resilient. Our partnership with Canada’s civilian health institutions as exemplified by our collaboration with The Royal, encourages dialogue among those who may be in need of help and those professionals who are able to meet those needs. Together, we are continuously researching, learning and improving our support to those impacted by mental illness, for the benefit not only of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families, but also all Canadians.”
Major-General David Millar
Chief of Military Personnel
