Pacific Blue Cross Partners with Art With Impact to Deliver Movies for Mental Health: British Columbia

British Columbia, Canada, October 7, 2016 (Newswire.com) - Art With Impact Canada has announced its expansion of the 'Movies for Mental Health' program into British Columbia, thanks to the support of Pacific Blue Cross.

Movies for Mental Health (M4MH) takes an innovative approach to increasing young people's access to social and emotional health services by effectively combating both cultural- and self-stigma through the emotional power of film. Mental illness is often overlooked in discussions of chronic illness, though it's incredibly common - roughly 20% of North Americans live with a mental illness. Support from Pacific Blue Cross will be used to expand Art With Impact Canada's proven educational programming throughout the province of British Columbia.

Using creative early intervention programming through Movies for Mental Health, British Columbian students will be part of a movement to subvert stigma and break down barriers to seeking support, improving their health outcomes while in school and after graduating.

Natalie Daley, Director, Art With Impact Canada

“As part of our mission to improve health and wellbeing in British Columbia, mental health is an important focus area for us,” says Richard Taylor, Chair, Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation Board. “Movies for Mental Health is a unique initiative making a difference in the lives of many and we are proud to be a supporter.”

About Art With Impact

Art With Impact (AWI) creates spaces for young people to learn and connect through art and media. AWI leverages the connective power of film to overcome the devastating symptoms of stigma and actively engage young adults on the topic of mental health.​ Learn more about Art With Impact's workshops and their Online Library for Video Engagement (OLIVE). 

About Pacific Blue Cross

Pacific Blue Cross is British Columbia’s number one health benefits provider. Based in Burnaby, BC, the not-for-profit organization provides health, dental, life, disability and travel coverage for 1 in 3 British Columbians through group benefits and individual plans. As part of its mission to improve health and wellbeing in British Columbia, Pacific Blue Cross proactively supports charitable organizations across the province working to improve health outcomes.​

Source: Art With Impact