On October 15, 2022 the BC Schizophrenia Society and the BC Schizophrenia Society Foundation held their Annual General Meetings. During the Annual General Meeting, the BCSS members appointed the new BCSS Board Members for the year 2022-2023. While Renato Zane stayed on as the Chair of the BC Schizophrenia Society Foundation for another wonderful year, Jack Middleton stepped into the role of President for the BC Schizophrenia Society.

At the meeting, Jack Middleton presented the BCSS Champion Award to Fred Dawe and David Halikowski for their unmatched contribution to the BC Schizophrenia Society. Fred Dawe started with the BCSS White Rock Branch in 1987 and moved to the Powell River Branch in the early 90s. He has been a part of BCSS in various capacities and in various positions all these years. David Halikowski started with BCSS in the late 1990s.  In 2004, he helped incorporate the Prince George Branch and has been a part of the BCSS Board since 2005. He stepped down from the position of President, BC Schizophrenia Society this year, handing the baton over to Jack Middleton. Both Fred and Dave have volunteered countless hours for BCSS with unmatched dedication. We know no two people more deserving of the BCSS Champion Award.

After the Annual General Meeting, Faydra Aldridge gave a very warm welcome to Minister Sheila Malcolmson from the BC Ministry Mental Health and Addictions. In her short speech, Minister Malcolmson recognized the impact severe and persistent mental illness can have on our community and emphasized the need to build a comprehensive system of care for mental health and addiction in BC. She applauded BCSS’ efforts in supporting families living with schizophrenia and other severe and persistent mental illnesses, to navigate the system.

Watch the full video of the AGM, here:

“Tools for Wellness: The BC Mental Health Act” (AGM Education Session)

The feature of the afternoon was a very informative session on the BC Mental Health Act by Dr. Vijay Seethapathy, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia. In his short talk, Dr. Seethapathy touched on what the BC Mental Health Act is and what are some of its limitation. He also talked about some of the common misinformation and misunderstandings about the BC Mental Health Act and clarified it’s scope for our audience. This education was followed by a very vibrant and though-provoking question and answer session where the audience got the chance to ask questions to Dr. Seethapathy.

Watch the full video of the AGM Education Session, here:

The BC Schizophrenia Society thanks Abbvie for generously sponsoring this event.