New mental health awareness crosswalks were unveiled by Wood's Homes in downtown Lethbridge on Monday, May 6, 2024. (Photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

New mental health awareness crosswalks unveiled in Lethbridge

May 6, 2024 | 1:47 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Wood’s Homes unveiled a special crosswalk on Monday.

May is Mental Health Month and to raise awareness, the nonprofit painted two crosswalks in Lethbridge with the hashtag #MentalHealthMatters.

The crosswalks are located steps away from Wood’s Homes’ emergency youth shelter at 312 3 Street South. (Photo: LNN)

The two crosswalks are at 3 Avenue and 3 Street South and Wood’s Homes was able to bring the project to life with support from the City of Lethbridge and Downtown BRZ.

“Mental health challenges can impact anyone from any walk of life,” says Shauna Cohen, program manager with Wood’s Homes.

Week-in-review: Property taxes, training doctors and changes to WestJet service

23h ago

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024

Week-in-review: A spring storm, Whoop-Up Days entertainment and housing for seniors

May 11, 2024

She adds they wanted to make a “bold statement” to let the community know they are available to support them if they are struggling with their mental health.

Cohen says she wants everyone to know it is okay to talk about their mental health, despite the stigma surrounding the subject.

“It’s okay to ask for help and it’s okay to not be okay,” she remarks.

Wood’s Homes says that one in five Canadians struggle with a mental health challenge.

Program supervisor for the youth programs at the Lethbridge Opportunity Hub, Kelsey DesRoche says they are very excited to have this visible reminder of mental health.

DesRoche adds the paint that has been used for these crosswalks will last for a year and in 2025, Wood’s Homes will reassess if they want to get the walkways repainted.

The crosswalks are located at 3 Avenue and 3 Street South. (Photo: LNN)

Lethbridge city councillor Mark Campbell was on hand for Monday’s unveiling.

“They came forward with a proposal [to the Assets and Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee], they spent all of the money [and] they just approved it with our Traffic Department. It doesn’t disrupt anything, it just creates the perfect environment to let everyone know and be aware and start the conversation [on] mental health,” he says.

The crosswalks are steps away from Wood’s Homes’ emergency youth shelter at 312 3 Street South.

READ MORE: Wood’s Homes celebrates opening of Lethbridge Opportunity Hub

READ MORE: New charitable initiative to “transform scrap metal into hope”

–

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.