January 27, 2021

Thanks to a generous donation from the Niwa family (referred to as the Beej Project), Medicine Hat College (MHC), is leading a partnership with local schools and law enforcement to support mental health through the development of a new video series. 

Guided by a community advisory panel that includes Medicine Hat Public School Division No. 76, Prairie Rose School Division, Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education, and Medicine Hat Police Service, this grassroots initiative invites local professionals to share their expertise on a variety of topics, equipping people with the resources needed to build strength and resiliency in themselves and those around them.

From providing insight on how to have tough conversations to helping people navigate disorders related to and associated with mental health, this video series is meant to open conversations and connect people with community services and support.

“This initiative was created by a family who was grieving a significant loss. Their hope is that by being proactive and educating the community we can help make a positive change in the lives of others,” says Jennifer Kerslake, director of community engagement at MHC. “We want to ensure that we are providing people with the knowledge and tools necessary to deal with life’s challenges in a healthy way.”

Launching the series this week is a well-known and respected leader in the world of athletics. Drawing on his professional background in sports leadership, Willie Desjardins, head coach and general manager of the Medicine Hat Tigers, talks about the role that coaches, educators and parents play in empowering others to cope with adversity.

“It’s important that we are there for, and support each other in, the community. These are trying times, and we don’t know what someone is dealing with unless we have the conversations, and take the time to listen,” says Desjardins. “As leaders you may not know the impact you are having on someone, but at the end of the day you do make a difference – you make a big difference.”

A new video will be launched every two weeks. To view the series, visit www.mhc.ab.ca.