Connexus Energy receives mental wellness advocacy award
PHOTO: Peter Wojciechowsk, Connexus board of directors chair, receives the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County’s Healthy Body, Healthy Mind award from Cynthia Blesi, Campaign board member at left, and Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah at right. (Photo submitted)
Connexus Energy has been recognized for their leadership in promoting mental health by the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County.
The Healthy Body, Healthy Mind award was presented recently to the Connexus board of directors by Anoka County Commissioners Chairwoman Rhonda Sivarajah and Cynthia Blesi, treasurer of the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County.
“Thank you for leading by example,” Commissioner Sivarajah told the board members. “Your commitment demonstrates that mental health is as important as physical health.”
“You give us hope,” added Blesi.
Bill Pinsonnault, head of the county’s Community Social Services and Mental Health Department, pointed out why the business community cares about mental wellness.
“About 50 percent of sick days are related to mental health,” Pinsonnault said. “Untreated mental health issues cost billions in lost productivity every year in this country. That’s why we’re so glad to see companies like Connexus recognize the importance of good mental health.”
Connexus staff members have been involved with the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County since the county launched it in 2004.
Connexus employee and Campaign board member Tammy Ferguson was instrumental in obtaining a nonprofit status for the group in 2007. Other Campaign board members include consumers, family members, business leaders, concerned citizens, and human services professionals.
The campaign’s mission is to promote increased public awareness, understanding and acceptance of mental health care
