Calgary, Alberta | Monday, September 9, 2013 |
David Goldbloom, Chair, Mental Health Commission of Canada Board of Directors, is pleased to announce the election of Arlene Hache to its Board of Directors.
Hache spent 22 years as the Executive Director of the Centre for Northern Families (the Centre) in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. She was awarded the Order of Canada in 2009 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for her work in support of health promotion for families in northern communities.
“My passion for creating change in societal attitudes toward mental health issues and generating system change stems from my work at the family resource agency, where we offered a range of support services primarily to First Nations, Inuit and Metis women and their families,” says Hache. “The Centre became well known for promotion of social change throughout the Northwest Territories and Nunavut and I look forward to bringing my perspectives and expertise to the MHCC.”
During Hache’s tenure, the Centre established an emergency shelter for women who were homeless, a poverty law program, a prenatal and toddler family support program, childcare services, as well as child supervision services for families impacted by violence and other programs. The Centre also partnered with the local health authority to locate a primary health care clinic at the Centre, increasing access and improving health outcomes for shelter residents.
In a partnership with the YWCA, Hache co-developed and co-managed a gender-specific trauma recovery program for FNIM women impacted by extreme levels of violence.
“The Centre has come to be recognized territorially, nationally and internationally thanks to Arlene’s innovative approaches and commitment to improving the lives of thousands of women and children in remote communities in Canada’s North,” says Goldbloom. “Her history of working in partnership with others to develop mental health services that are today in high demand will serve the Commission well. We are honoured to have Arlene Hache join the MHCC Board of Directors.”
Hache retired from the Centre in 2012 and is currently pursuing Masters of Arts in Leadership Program at Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C.
ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for change. We are collaborating with hundreds of partners to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to help people who live with mental health problems and illnesses lead meaningful and productive lives. Together we create change. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada.
www.mentalhealthcommission.ca | strategy.mentalhealthcommission.ca
Contact:
Kyle Marr, Senior Communication Specialist
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Office: 403-385‐4050
Mobile: 587-226‐8782
kmarr@mentalhealthcommission.ca
