Protecting Mental Health in Our Communities

Go To Season: 2020-2021 Poster

Presentation Title: Protecting Mental Health in Our Communities

Speaker:
Mr. Giri Puligandla
Executive Director
Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region

Date/Time: March 18 , 2022 (7:30 PM MST)

Short Description:
Mental health is a growing concern as the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is in sight. In fact, many experts are sounding the alarm about an “echo pandemic” of poor mental health, addiction, and family violence that is beginning to emerge. The only way to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities are if we are not only aware of the importance of mental health, but we all know what to do if someone we know is struggling. It is critical that, especially for ethnocultural communities, we are mobilized and prepared to help our own as the first line of protection. The presentation will speak to different ways to achieve that, and to demystify the pathways for greater support and healthcare when needed, including through programs offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Speaker’s Bio:
Giri Puligandla joined the Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region as Executive Director on January 2021. Giri believes that the involvement of the broader community and people with lived experience can create environments and service systems that promote recovery, resilience, and well-being. Prior to joining CMHA Edmonton, he held leadership roles in Homeward Trust for over seven years as Chief Strategy Officer and Director of Planning and Research and served in a management role in Alberta Health’s Addiction and Mental Health branch. Earlier in his career, Giri was Executive Director with the Alberta Caregivers Association and Schizophrenia Society of Alberta Edmonton Chapter. He also holds an MSc in health promotion from the University of Alberta.

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Go To Season: 2020-2021 Poster