Early morning sun, a blue sky, crisp winter air and lots of smiles launched January 25 as #BellLetsTalk day at 14 Wing Greenwood – a great day to act on this year’s theme, “Let’s create positive change.”
The wing’s command team, support services and Defence Team partners gathered at the base’s main gate to raise an awareness flag together, sporting themed winter toques and taking a moment to add their own supportive mental health messages to “thought bubbles.”
“This is a great day to continue the conversation, and I’d encourage you to continue to be ambassadors for positive change,” said Colonel Jeff Davis. “We see new initiatives, culture change and we continue to talk and listen. Together, we really do make a difference. It’s not a huge task to talk and to listen.
“Today is just the starting point for the rest of the year.”
With Wing Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Proulx, Davis raised an awareness flag at the main gate. 26 Canadian Forces Health Services personnel raised an additional flag over the health clinic for the day as well.
“I have a person close to me with a mental health issue, and they take a medicine every day they think others may think means they’re ‘crazy,’” Proulx said. “The doctor said, ‘if this was a medicine for diabetes, would we be having this conversation?’
“It’s great to have days like today to show people they are empowered to speak out about their mental health.”
