Canada Post is stamping out stigma

Thanks to the support of Canada Post and its employees each year a new stamp is put into circulation to help raise awareness and ‘Stamp Out Stigma’ associated with mental illness.

Studies show mental illness affects one in five people that means over seven million Canadians will need help for mental health problems this year, but sadly many will go without treatment because of the stigma attached to the illness or lack of resources.

During a stamp unveiling at the People for Equal Partnership in Mental Health (PEP) offices this week, local area manager for Canada Post, Charles Gaudette, said people need to have a better understanding of mental illness. He says through initiatives like the ‘Stamp Out Stigma’ program opens the door for discussion and education about the illness.



This year the stamp (pictured above) titled ‘The Puzzle’ designed by Miriane Majeau, was selected for the 2011 Mental Health Stamp. This is the first time the stamp design was decided by the public by voting. Gaudette says Majeau’s design captured the message Canada Post wants to deliver.

To date Canada Post employees, customers and suppliers have raised $4.8 million for the Foundation to help address the need.