CORNWALL, Ontario – The Cornwall Community Hospital invited the community of Cornwall, SD&G and Awkwesasne to the ribbon cuting ceremony of their new Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Acting Warden of the United Counties of SD&G Chris McDonell said that in jhis experience, facilities like this are sorely needed in communities.
“I was a polieman for 40 years, and I know this facility will be well used,” he said.
Cornwall Mayor Leslie O’Shaughnessy said that centres like Cornwall’s CAMH play an important role in breaking the isolation brought on by mental health issues and addiction.
“We all have known someone affected by mental health issues or addiction be it a family member, a friend, or a colleague,” he said. “Often people suffer alone and hopefully breaking taht isolation will be a focus for the future.”
Amy Gillespie, Executive Director of the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation (CCHF) explained that community support made this centre possible and that the CCHF was nearing its fundraising goal.
“We have now come to the point where we have raised $700, 000 of our $1.2 million committment,” she said.
Gillespie also shared a story with the audience of a man who was treated at CAMH.
“This gentleman told me “every time I pass (CAMH) I smile because of the help that I received makes me know I was meant for this world,”” she said.
Money will continue to be raised for Cornwall’s new CAMH.
CCH President Jeanette Despatie explained that 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health or addiction issue at some point in their lives.
