NII and Accenture host vital discussions during Mental Health Awareness Month

NII Connects events focused on community growth and resilience in Bruce, Grey and Huron

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII)—in partnership with Accenture and Brightshores Health System—hosted a powerful NII Connects event focused on mental health in the Clean Energy Frontier region of Bruce, Grey and Huron counties and local Indigenous communities.

Local leaders share their mental health journeys, hosted by Jessica Linthorne, NII President & CEO [far left]: [L-R] Ken Yau, Garrett McFadden, Marsha Roote and Mayor Trevor Bazinet.

Designed for community leaders, local organizations and the public, the event explored practical strategies and shared lived experiences, highlighting the importance of collective action in promoting mental wellness across the region.

The program featured speaker stories from engaged leaders in clean energy and the region: Ken Yau, Utilities Industry Lead, Accenture; Garrett McFadden, professional athlete and Founder of McFadden’s Movement; Marsha Roote, Manager, Indigenous Relations, Bruce Power; and Mayor Trevor Bazinet, Town of Goderich.

“When I started this journey around 2022, I was just happy anyone wanted to talk about mental health,” said Yau. “But at Accenture, we’ve got a strong support system and leaders who show up, so now it's more about trying to reach outside of our company, like what I'm doing today.”

Shannon Reinelt of Brightshores Health System [far right] speaks about regional mental health supports during a panel discussion of local service providers. [L-R] Moderator Jessica Linthorne, Katie Simpson and Scott McKay.

A panel discussion from local service providers focused on specific supports and programs available for those in the region—panelists included Shannon Reinelt, Manager, Mental Health Services, Brightshores Health System; Katie Simpson, Clinical Manager, Bluewater District School Board; and Scott McKay, Director of Client Services, CMHA Grey Bruce.

“We have a very strong network of mental health and addiction support throughout the region,” said Reinelt. “And we want people to really know as a community that we are striving to meet people where they’re at, make systems much easier to access and closer to home so we build that equity and accessibility.”

Moderating the discussions was Jessica Linthorne, NII President & CEO. “NII is dedicated to supporting growth and resilience in the Clean Energy Frontier region,” she said, adding:

“This NII Connects event, held during Mental Health Awareness Month, reflects our commitment to bringing critical topics to those in our communities. Thank you to event partners Accenture and Brightshores Health System for helping us do just that.”

NII Connects events are community-focused gatherings that explore ideas, share knowledge and spark conversations aimed at supporting growth and resilience across the Clean Energy Frontier region.

These events bring together leaders, experts and residents to address key issues and opportunities shaping the future of local communities.

Be the first to hear about future NII Connects sessions as well as opportunities for companies to co-host an event: subscribe to the Nuclear Innovation Institute’s mailing list.