Visit to St. Michael Catholic High School

Mood Disorders Society of Canada is a national, not-for-profit health charity committed to ensuring that the voices of communities, family members and caregivers are heard on issues relating to mental health and mental illness with particular regard to depression, bipolar illness and other associated mood disorders.

Her Excellency Sharon Johnston visited St. Michael Catholic High School in Kemptville to see first-hand how the school is working to increase awareness of mental health and depression. During her visit, she saw a live demonstration of the Empower Bully Reporting App.

Mrs. Johnston learned about how the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario is working to create resilient students.

Her Excellency provided brief remarks at the school’s general assembly to encourage students on their five-kilometre walk to raise funds for Defeat Depression, a campaign of the Mood Disorders Society of Canada.

Her Excellency blew the horn to kick-off the walk to raise funds for Defeat Depression.

During the walk, Her Excellency chatted with students about mental health and about how students are using the Empower app.

The Empower app is a free communication tool provided by the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO), which enables students, staff and parents to anonymously report incidents of bullying.