Chief Executive Officer of the Bellevue Hospital, Suzette Buchanan, who has been named the International Mental Health Advocate of the year by the Mental Health Foundation Australia, says the award indicates a step in the right direction for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

Buchanan is one of six awardees being recognized this year for outstanding contributions to mental health awareness and stigma reduction.

She will travel to Melbourne to accept the award at the 8th Annual Australian Mental Health Awards, on October 4.

Her leadership at Bellevue Hospital, along with her role as host of the pioneering mental health television series “Mindset”, were highlighted in the award citation.

Ms. Buchanan said the award is an indication to caribbean nationals that their mental health matters.