MONTRÉAL, Feb. 8, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell and Brain Canada are pleased to announce a new partnership in support of brain research in Canada - the Bell Mental Health Research Training Awards.
The Training Awards are designed to promote the most talented next-generation of Canadian mental health researchers by providing them with guidance, mentorship and training under the direction of world-leading researchers. A significant investment in Canada's most promising researchers, these funds will accelerate their progress and contribution to our understanding of the brain.
"Brain Canada is delighted to be partnering with Bell on the Mental Health Research Training Awards, to provide some of our most talented young scientists with high-quality research training in Canadian labs. Bell's leadership in mental health is unprecedented in this country--reducing the stigma associated with these disorders, and supporting world-class research and care programs," said Inez Jabalpurwala, President of Brain Canada.
Brain Canada's goal is to build on Canada's excellence and leadership in the field of neuroscience, supporting the most promising areas of brain research. Advances in mental health research are leading to better prevention strategies, new treatments, technologies and improved healthcare and social support services that will have a fundamental impact on the health and well-being of millions of Canadians.
"I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to all the award recipients," said Clara Hughes, Canada's six-time Olympic medallist and national spokesperson for Bell Let's Talk. "This is an important milestone in our campaign to increase both awareness of mental health and understanding of mental illness."
In 2011, the Government of Canada committed up to $100 million to establish the Canada Brain Research Fund. The fund supports research programs that are considered to be critical to advancing brain research with a dollar-for-dollar match of funds raised by Brain Canada from private sources over the next five years.
The Bell Mental Health Training Awards are made possible by Bell's $500,000 contribution to the fund being matched by the Government of Canada for a total of $1 million through this program.
"Through the Canadian Brain Research Fund, the Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to support much needed research to improve the health and quality of life of Canadians suffering from brain disorders," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. "I would like to thank Brain Canada and its partner, Bell Canada, for their on-going support of mental health and brain research. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the funding recipients today. I wish them every success with their important work."
"Bell is proud to be supporting the next generation of brain research through the Bell Mental Health Research Training Awards," said Mary Deacon, Chair of the Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative. "Supporting research into mental illness is one of the action pillars of Bell Let's Talk and, in partnership with the Government of Canada, we are celebrating a significant milestone in our campaign to help people suffering with mental health issues."
The Training Awards will provide four research studentships valued at $30,000 per year for three years and three postdoctoral fellowships valued at $50,000 per year for three years (each award includes an additional $5,000 per year career development supplement). Recipients were selected through a nation-wide open competition with rigorous Canadian and international review.
The Bell Mental Health Training Awards recipients are:
Studentships
Corey Baimel, University of British Columbia
Nancy Butcher, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto
Jennie Pouget, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto
Andrea Tyrer, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto
Postdoctoral Fellowships
Dr. Steven Connor, University of British Columbia
Dr. Cornelia Walther, Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario
Dr. Guang Yang, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto
The Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative is a five-year, $50-million charitable program based on four action pillars: Anti-stigma, care and access, research, and workplace best practices. With Bell Let's Talk Day as its anti-stigma centrepiece, Bell's initiative is providing significant funding for leading mental health hospitals and grassroots organizations, driving new workplace initiatives across corporate Canada, and supporting new research.
Bell Let's Talk Day is February 12
For every text message sent and every long distance call made by Bell and Bell Aliant customers on February 12, every tweet using #BellLetsTalk and, every Facebook share of our Bell Let's Talk message, Bell will donate 5 cents more to programs dedicated to mental health (regular long distance and text charges apply). Last year's Bell Let's Talk Day raised $3,926,014.20 in additional funding for mental health initiatives across the country.
About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing consumers and business with solutions to all their communications needs: Bell Mobility wireless, high-speed Bell Internet, Bell Satellite TV and Bell Fibe TV, Bell Home Phone local and long distance, and Bell Business Markets IP-broadband and information and communications technology (ICT) services. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio and digital media, including CTV, Canada's #1 television network, and the country's most-watched specialty channels. Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE). For Bell products and services, please visit Bell.ca. For BCE corporate information, please visit BCE.ca.
About Brain Canada
Brain Canada is a national charitable organization with the mission of accelerating the pace of Canada's world-class brain research in order to advance our understanding of the brain, and develop diagnostics, treatments and ultimately cures for brain disorders. The Government of Canada has committed to match up to $100 million of private and non-governmental contributions to Brain Canada over the next five years, through the Canada Brain Research Fund.
Image with caption: "From left to right: Inez Jabalpurwala, President, Brain Canada; Dr. Max S. Cynader, Award recipient; M.r Cory Baimel, Award recipient; Dr. Steven Connor, Award recipient; Mary Deacon, Chair, Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative; Clara Hughes, national spokesperson, Bell Let's Talk; The Honourable Yonah Martin, Senator. (CNW Group/Bell Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130208_C4240_PHOTO_EN_23487.jpg
SOURCE: Bell Canada
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