Winnipeg, MB - The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) is pleased to participate in Ride Away Stigma to bring awareness to mental health issues. Danielle Berman, founder of Ride Away Stigma, is cycling from Vancouver, BC to Hamilton, ON to raise awareness for the importance of mental health and for suicide prevention. WFPS’s PACER paramedics will provide Danielle with an escort as she rides to Fire Paramedic Station #20 (525 Banting Drive) and meets with members of the WFPS.
“The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is committed to engaging in an open dialogue with the community about mental health issues. Our fire fighters and paramedics are often the first people to respond to a call for assistance when a person is in crisis,” said Joe Lepieszo, WFPS Assistant Chief, Fire Operations. “We are proud to escort Danielle for a part of her ride as a way to engage Winnipeggers in an important discussion about mental health and suicide prevention.”
Danielle Berman’s mission to help remove the stigma associated with mental illness began after losing her father to suicide at a young age, and after struggling with her own mental illness. Danielle’s Ride Away Stigma began in Vancouver on July 15, and will end on September 7 in Hamilton. Danielle’s goal is to raise a total of $60,000, which she will donate to Canadian suicide and mental health organizations.
To learn more about Ride Away Stigma and Danielle’s story, please visit rideawaystigma.com.