Thompson Rivers University has been recognized for demonstrating inspirational leadership in the area of mental health promotion and education by the Kamloops Branch of the Canadian Mental Heath Association.

Iris Rich-McQuay from COPE/MECCA, David Lidster and Cliff Robinson, Counselling, Kathy Mitchell, Student Development accept the the 2010 KamFest Award from Shelly Trudeau, Canadian Mental Health Association.

“Congratulations to Thompson Rivers University for their work to assist students and faculty, and the entire Kamloops community in moving us closer to a community without stigma regarding mental illness,” said Shelley Trudeau, spokesperson for CMHA Kamloops.

“TRU’s effort is herculean in the mental health area, they involve and assist many groups on the campus and in the community.”

The 2010 Kamfest Education Award acknowledges the range of activities that were actively supported by students, faculty and TRU Administration and includes work done by the COPE / MECA group, Graphic Arts, Print Shop as well as Campus Radio, …  “truly too many to mention in total and clearly surpassing the standard of outstanding efforts,” Trudeau said.

2009 activities included:

• Co-sponsor of the Dr. Daniel Amen presentations;

• Co-sponsor of the Dr. Jean Clinton Presentations regarding children’s and teen’s mental health;

• TRU counselling Centre depression/anxiety screening during Mental Illness Awareness Week;

• Promotion of harmony among students of various religious, ethnic and national backgrounds;

• Participation and promotion of Mental Health First Aid during Mental Health Awareness Week activities;

• Students from Nursing, Business, and Social Work efforts to promote mental health awareness in various projects involving the United Way and non-profit service providers;

• Demonstrated concern and activity to support students with mental health issues, and to lead the city in efforts to provide health promotion activities in the area of mental health for students on campus, both international student support as well as Canadian student support;

• Student support through a handful of service providers in the TRU Counselling Centre.

The Kamfest Awards Committee of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kamloops Branch is generally comprised of management staff of CMHA as well as past winners of the award.