Mental Health Voices 2007 Award Recipient - The Courtnall Family

The Mental Health Voices award recognizes public figures touched by mental illness who have spoken openly about their lives. With stigma and misunderstanding about mental illness still prevalent in our community, the award is an opportunity to thank and hear from these community leaders.
Geoff, Russ, Bruce and Cheryl lost their father Archie to suicide when they were children. "Dad got into a deep depression", Geoff told CMHA. "He got further and further into a dark tunnel he couldn't come out of. At that time it was something people hid and didnt get treatment for."
Together the family started a series of fundraising events in Victoria that raised over $2 million. In 2004, the Archie Courtnall Centre opened at Victorias Royal Jubilee Hospital. The centre sees upwards of 35 people a day who are experiencing psychiatric emergencies. At least one of these people will be suicidal.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• mental health
• Courtnall
• Mental Health Voices
• 2007
• award
• illness
• Canadian Mental Association
• Vancouver
• Burnaby

[hsttraindriver]

Read Explaining colours to a blind man. Not only will it enlighten many as to what living with a mental illness is like, it also gives comfort to those sufferers who think there is no hope and that they are alone. It is very informative, sometimes shocking but also very funny in parts. All in all, a good read and highly recommended.