CMHA-NL’s 2024 Award Winners

Andrew Hibbitts

Andrew Hibbitts has demonstrated exceptional leadership in mental health through his work as Chair of the Bay St. George Pride Committee. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he ensured the continuation of Pride Week by transitioning events online, securing funding for virtual activities and workshops to combat isolation in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. His team also adapted educational initiatives, raising awareness through social media.

In 2022, Andrew introduced hybrid events, and by 2023, fully returned them to in-person formats, fostering crucial face-to-face connections. Despite personal setbacks he continued to lead and prioritize community well-being.

Additionally, Andrew serves on the Board of the Community Education Network, addressing broader determinants of mental health. His resilience and dedication have made a significant impact on Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2SLGBTQ+ community, exemplifying excellence in mental health leadership.

Construction Industry Mental Health Task Force

The Construction Industry Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Task Force, established in September 2022, has shown exceptional leadership in promoting mental health within Newfoundland and Labrador’s construction sector. In 2024, they launched a pilot program based on the MATES In Construction model, offering mental health literacy and suicide prevention training, including General Awareness, safeTALK, and ASIST. These initiatives aim to reduce stigma and create peer support networks on construction sites.

The Task Force has also engaged government officials and industry leaders, advocating for a coordinated mental health response. Their collaboration with SafetyNet at Memorial University further strengthens their efforts by integrating evidence-based practices and program evaluation. Through these initiatives, the Task Force has made significant strides in fostering mental health awareness and support in the construction industry.

Perinatal Mental Health Alliance of Newfoundland & Labrador (PMHANL)

The Perinatal Mental Health Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador (PMHANL) was established to address gaps in perinatal mental health services, supporting mothers, partners, infants, and families from preconception through the first year after birth. Comprising volunteers with lived experience, health professionals, and advocates, the Alliance promotes mental health awareness and advocates for improved, province-wide services.

Since its founding in 2018, PMHANL has conducted research, raised public awareness, and provided professional development. It focuses on advocating for coordinated mental health programs, recommending strategies to overcome barriers, and educating the public on perinatal mental health. Recently, PMHANL has strengthened its governance, forming Communications and Education subcommittees to further its advocacy and awareness efforts.

The Alliance is committed to inclusive support for all types of families and continues to push for positive change in Newfoundland and Labrador’s perinatal mental health landscape.

Olivia Bishop

From September 2023 to April 2024, Olivia Bishop served as Mental Health Representative on the Psychology and Behavioural Neuroscience Society, where she educated students about mental health services and organized events for faculty and undergraduates. Since January 2024, she has been a MUN Minds Peer Supporter, offering weekly one-on-one drop-in sessions for university students in need of support. In March 2024, Olivia became the Social Media Coordinator for the I Love Me campaign, creating content to promote mental wellness, and a group facilitator for MUN Minds, leading weekly peer support sessions. Additionally, she has volunteered with the Schizophrenia Society’s Motivation Mondays, supporting inpatients at the Waterford Hospital. Over the summer of 2024, Olivia worked as a research assistant in the Addictions Lab at MUN, studying stigma related to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder and Cannabis Use Disorder. Her dedication to mental health has positively impacted both students and the wider community.

Brianna George

Brianna George, a recent MSc graduate in psychology, has been accepted into the highly competitive Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program at Memorial University. She has received numerous awards, including multiple Indspire Awards, the SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship, and the Indigenous Scholars Supplement. Her master’s thesis focused on cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for insomnia in cancer survivors, emphasizing patient-centered approaches to improve sleep and well-being.

Brianna’s research has been presented at academic conferences, and she has twice been accepted into the prestigious Scholars Program of the Canadian Behavioral Interventions and Trials Network. Her doctoral research will explore the distinction between healthy and problematic exercise habits to inform early intervention for eating disorders. In addition to her academic achievements, Brianna has shown strong leadership and community involvement, earning her the Dean of Science Graduate Leadership Award and the Graduate Psychology Society Award in Community Excellence.

ExxonMobil Canada

ExxonMobil’s mental health in the workplace initiative began in 2014 with the help of their offshore radio room operator Steve Tizzard and was formally rolled out to the Hebron and Hibernia platforms in 2024. The program promotes psychological well-being by raising mental health awareness, addressing workplace stressors, and encouraging open communication. It offers resources like the “Be There Certificate,” a self-paced learning experience to enhance mental health literacy, and mental health first aid training for workers and supervisors. To date, approximately 300 individuals have completed the Be There certificate, and 120 have undergone mental health first aid training. The initiative also integrates mental health into daily operations, with wellness resources shared via calendars and a standing committee agenda item. Additionally, the program’s framework has been adopted by Imperial Oil in Alberta. This comprehensive effort reflects the core values of CMHA, prioritizing mental health awareness, support, and safety in the workplace.