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ABOUT US

This project is led by a community that cares. In 2021, the Banff Mineral Springs Community Board engaged in a community consultation with key healthcare, municipal and tourism sector leaders about the wellness of our community. The outcomes of these discussions were captured in a final report, Community Conversations, What We Heard. Participants said they wanted conversation forums to understand the complete picture of our community healthcare needs and gaps. They wanted to share data that would lead to an efficient, credible, and proactive understanding of our healthcare needs. They wanted a systems approach to be able to develop solutions that would result in a long-lasting and positive downstream impact on our community.

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Banff Mineral Springs Hospital Community Board, 2024

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Lori Bayne, BMHAW Chair

In the fall of 2023, a community board member, Dr. Shakil Amin, approached the hospital board with a proactive initiative to create a Mental Health and Addiction Week for our community.
 

In December of 2023, a community meeting was held with 35 partners to inspire them to create Banff and Lake Louise’s first Mental Health and Addiction Week (BMHAW). With a resounding YES! This week was created to:

Increase awareness about the mental health and addiction health concerns affecting residents.

Create a greater awareness of the services available to residents.

Break the social barrier of mental health stigma through community initiatives and conversations.

Create a systems level response to the mental health and addiction challenges in our community through a collaborative and coordinated approach.

If you or your organization are interested in participating, please contact us.

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Volunteer Opportunity: Chair – Banff Mental Health and Addiction Week (BMHAW)
Term: 2 Years
Location: must live or work in Banff
Start Date: September 2025
Application Deadline: September 15, 2025

 

About BMHAW

Banff Mental Health and Addiction Week (BMHAW) is a community-driven initiative dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness in Banff and Lake Louise. Over the past two years, BMHAW has brought together partners from health, hospitality, community foundations, and residents to foster meaningful conversations and actions around mental health.

As BMHAW enters a potential new phase, the initiative is seeking a committed and community-minded Volunteer Chair to lead the next chapter of this important work.

 

Position Overview: Volunteer Chair

The Chair is a liaison and figurehead role, distinct from day-to-day coordination. Coordination will be done by a paid position. The Chair will guide the initiative strategically while fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

Note: This role must be independent—not affiliated with the government or any of the governing partner organizations.

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Key Responsibilities

  • Organize and lead Working Group and Program Working Group meetings

  • Ensure all activities align with the Terms of Reference

  • Hire and manage the BMHAW Coordinator on behalf of governing partners

  • Serve as the primary spokesperson for BMHAW

  • Foster collaboration among working groups, partners, and community members

  • Manage the BMHAW budget

  • Provide updates (written and/or presentations) to stakeholders

  • Work with governing partners to identify and secure future funding

 

Desired Qualifications

  • Proven leadership in a community or nonprofit setting

  • Excellent communication and organizational skills

  • Ability to build consensus and foster collaboration

  • Commitment to building mental health awareness

  • Comfortable with light financial oversight and reporting

  • Familiarity with the Bow Valley region is an asset

 

Time Commitment

  • Approx. 8–10 hours/month, with flexibility depending on the phase of the initiative

  • Two-year volunteer term (renewable)

 

Next Steps

We are currently in a restructuring phase, and looking for a new chair by mid-September 2025. When the chair is appointed they will begin the new cycle of BMHAW including onboarding, transfer of key materials (e.g., bank account, website, social media), and hiring a new Coordinator.

 

How to Apply

If you're interested in serving as Chair or want to learn more, please express your interest to the email above bmhaw24@gmail.com.

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Join us in shaping the future of mental health awareness in the Bow Valley.

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