Bell Let's Talk supports innovative mental health services at the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal Research Centre

MONTRÉAL, Jan. 31, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Let's Talk today announced a $500,000 donation to the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal Foundation (FIUSMM) to support innovation projects at the institute's Research Centre, including the development of mobile applications aimed at improving the lives of people living with mental health issues.

Martine Turcotte, Bell's Vice Chair, Québec, announced the donation during a panel discussion on mental health and work hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montréal. Also taking part in the panel were National Bank President and CEO Louis Vachon, President and CEO of iA Financial Group Yvon Charest, and President and CEO of Hydro-Québec Éric Martel, the 3 co-presidents of FIUSMM's Donnez un peu, beaucoup, à la folie fundraising campaign, and Marc Corbière, the institute's Research Chair in Mental Health and Work.

"Bell Let's Talk is proud to support the development of technology innovations that will provide patients with tools to better manage their mental health and pave the way for faster recovery," said Ms. Turcotte. "The Research Centre's innovative research projects are focused on the development of personalized treatments that will improve the well-being of Québecers living with mental illness."

The Bell Let's Talk donation will help launch new research projects aimed at predicting the length of hospital stays, the risk of readmission, and patient behaviour for those recently admitted into psychiatric emergency services. The research will be conducted by the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal (IUSMM) Research Centre Signature Bank.

The donation will also support the development of mobile applications for the detection, treatment and recovery of people with mental health problems. These innovations will provide additional therapeutic support for victims of bullying and those struggling with chronic stress, depression and psychotic symptoms linked to schizophrenia.

"Research is the cornerstone of improving patients' quality of life," said Stéphane Guay, Scientific Director at the IUSMM Research Centre. "It's thanks to the generosity of our invaluable partner Bell Let's Talk, and its belief in the importance of research in mental health, that innovative research projects like these can be undertaken. Digital technologies are part of our day-to-day lives. They can keep us informed and entertained and are already helping to control illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure. It's only natural that we harness the advantages of these tools to improve the daily lives of those affected by mental health issues."

"I am very grateful for the way in which the business community supports our major fundraising campaign," said Martin Gagnon, FIUSMM President and Co-President and Co-Chief Executive Officer at National Bank Financial. "I would like to highlight the vital contribution of Bell Let's Talk in raising awareness of the reality of mental illness. For many years, Bell Let's Talk has contributed to demystifying mental health issues, helping to end the stigma and, most importantly, allowing Canadians to start an open discussion on the subject. The Foundation is proud that we can count on such a committed partner."

Today is Bell Let's Talk Day 
The FIUSMM and the IUSMM Research Centre join Bell in inviting everyone to get involved in today's conversation on mental health. Today Bell will donate 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for each of the following interactions, at no additional cost to participants:

• Talk and text: Every text, mobile and long distance call made by Bell customers
• Twitter: Every tweet using #BellLetsTalk including a Bell Let's Talk emoji and every Bell Let's Talk Day video view
• Facebook: Every view of the Bell Let's Talk Day video at Facebook.com/BellLetsTalk and use of the Bell Let's Talk frame
• Instagram: Every Bell Let's Talk Day video view
• Snapchat: Every use of the Bell Let's Talk filter and video view

To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

About the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal Foundation
For the past 35 years, the Foundation has been committed to supporting both clinical and scientific projects that seek not only to reduce the symptoms of mental illness and to treat patients, but also ensure their recovery so that they maintain a strong connection with their community and reintegrate into society. Through the research and expertise of the researchers at the IUSMM Research Centre, new scientific knowledge will make it possible to provide increasingly effective health care for people affected by mental health issues. To learn more, please visit www.unpeubeaucoupalafolie.org.

About Signature Bank
Signature Bank is the world's largest bank of biological, psychosocial and clinical data on people suffering from mental health problems, and the only project in the world that compiles data from users of psychiatric emergency services. The organization's objectives are to advance mental health research, assess the physical and mental health of people voluntarily admitted to the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, and enable clinicians to tailor treatment based on meaningful psychosocial and medical indicators. To learn more, please visit www.banquesignature.ca.

Media inquiries:

Catherine Dion
CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal
Office: 514 251-4000, extension 2986
Mobile: 514 235-4036
[email protected]
unpeubeaucoupalafolie.org
facebook.com/FIUSMM

Vanessa Damha
Bell
514-391-9794
[email protected]
@Bell_News
@Bell_LetsTalk

SOURCE Bell Canada