CMHA Chosen For Community Airtime Award

The Canadian Mental Health Association has been chosen as the recipient of the next KISS-FM Community Airtime Award.

This award is handed out twice yearly in partnership with Lake City Casino to a non-profit group or charitable organization.

They receive $35-thousand dollars in advertising air time to be used over the next six months.

Cassandra Schwarz with CMHA says it’s a great opportunity for their organization.

“To really get the word out there about what we do in the community and really create that dialogue about mental health and break down that stigma and the barriers about even discussing mental health in our community.”

Schwarz says they provide all kinds of services to help those dealing with mental health issues.

“It is that stigma that still pervades. It’s understanding that mental help affects us all. Our work is to be there and help support people in addressing their mental health issues and that road to becoming mentally healthy.”

Prevention is a key aspect according to Schwarz.

“It’s really kind of addressing those early warning signs in advance so that you don’t fall to the point where you have to be hospitalized or you develop substance abuse issues or those types of things. We are really looking towards that prevention part moving forward with our programs and services.”

The first recipient of the KISS-FM Community Airtime Award was the North Okanagan Neurological Association.