Self-Care is Healthcare: Mercy Ships Canada Joins the Mental Health Conversation

As the pandemic endures, Mercy Ships Canada recognizes that small acts can make a big difference, including conversations about mental health and self-care. Lockdowns, increased restrictions, the challenges of working from home and online learning, and the reality of not being able to connect face-to-face with family and friends are all taking a toll on us. There is an increased need for us to pay closer attention to how we are feeling and pursue helpful avenues of care.

As an organization committed to strengthening healthcare systems overseas, Mercy Ships Canada also realizes the need to strengthen self-care at home. We acknowledge the efforts of several organizations in recent years to increase the level of meaningful conversation around mental health, as well as express our desire to join these important efforts today and all year round. Mercy Ships Canada also wishes to thank the Chamber of Commerce for recently expanding their plan to provide additional mental health resources to support their clients, including our staff.

Mercy Ships Canada continues to stand in solidarity with countless seafarers, including our volunteer crew aboard the Africa Mercy, who find themselves unable to obtain shore leave in this season and are navigating the many mental health struggles that result.

Other Blog Posts

The Woman Who Forged Her Way Through Walls: Florence Bangura’s Story

Florence’s journey from oldest to newest Mercy Ship came full circle when she met the Global Mercy™ in 2023, the same year that the purpose-built hospital ship began welcoming its patients on board. Today, you can find Florence, now 49 years old, down in the engine room as a hotel engineering assistant.

Transforming Sierra Leone’s Healthcare: A Vision for Safe and Affordable Surgery

As experts from the surgical and healthcare world gather for the 64th Annual Conference and Scientific Meeting of the West African College of Surgeons in Sierra Leone this week, a profound dedication to advancing surgical knowledge and practice in the region is palpable. At the forefront of discussions lies the conference’s pivotal theme: access to safe and affordable surgical and anesthetic care in West Africa. This theme highlights the pressing need to address disparities in healthcare capabilities and capacities across the region, especially the critical importance of equitable access to quality surgical interventions.

The Africa Mercy Arrives in Madagascar to Bring Hope and Healing Anew

Freshly refitted hospital ship, the upgraded Africa Mercy® has arrived at the island nation to build on the charity’s longstanding collaboration and will provide specialized surgeries in various fields, including maxillofacial and ear nose and throat, general, pediatric specialized general, pediatric orthopedic, cataract surgery, and reconstructive plastics. 

Reuniting with Vanya, Years After Surgery

In 2015, in an operating room on board the Africa Mercy while docked in Madagascar, the course of Vanya’s life changed.
Years have now passed since Vanya’s journey toward healing. In the time since, her improved ability to walk allowed her to return to school, where she loved studying environmental science and learning about the world around her.

Christmas-Thank You Message from Darryl Anderson

Darryl Anderson shares his thank you message after Christmas to express his gratitude for your support and dedication to our mission.

Kadidja: A Future as Bright as her Smile

At Mercy Ships Canada, we serve those who have lost hope, bringing healing and transformation. Our volunteers, inspired by their faith, work selflessly to perform surgeries that renew not only bodies but also faith and hope. This Christmas, be a part of the miracle by making a donation to Mercy Ships Canada. Your contribution will help renew faith and offer a second chance at life. Together, we can make a significant impact on those who have suffered for too long.