9 October 2007
October in the health calendar in the country is dedicated to mental health
awareness and the MEC for Health Nomonde Rasmeni will be part of mental health
celebrations at Bophelong psychiatric grounds as part of raising awareness and
de stigmatisation of mental health in the province.
Bophelong is one of the two psychiatric hospitals in the province and it is
befitting that on this day, patients, staff and communities converge to
celebrate this day. The MEC will touch base on discrimination and
stigmatisation of mental patients. In addition, she will encourage families to
support their patients as it is assists in the recovery of patients. Abuse of
substance such drugs, alcohol also contribute which are known to contribute to
mental illness are some of the issued she will emphasise to the communities,
patients and staff at the hospital.
The MEC invites the media to join her in these celebrations and other
interactions geared towards raising awareness on this day.
Date: 10 October 2007
Venue: Bophelong Psychiatric Grounds
Enquiries:
Lwandile Sicwetsha
Tel: 018 387 5740
E-mail:lsicwetsha@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Health, North West Provincial Government
9 October 2007
