Hello everyone, my name is Mike Uzenko. I am 24 years old and a Graduate from McMaster University with a degree in Political Science. I unfortunately know too well what it is like to be affected by mental illness. Long story short, I found myself in the ER 3 times in the span of one month with concerning thoughts.

The whole hospital experience was traumatizing. I found myself worse off when leaving. The rooms are unsanitary, extremely long wait times and so many loops to jump through, ones I am still jumping through now. When people are in a crisis, these things can exacerbate an already grueling, time sensitive situation.

While sitting waiting to be seen on one of my visits, I had a light bulb moment- I should lean on my interest in Government and Policy to make a change.

I have penned an open letter to my Minister of Health in my province and launched a petition for mental health reform. I am gaining considerable traction and decided maybe my path is to use my negative experience to bring about change.

I am a really caring person - I truly have a desire to help others. I am hoping to use this platform where I can connect with people in situations like mine can bring relief.

Why Don’t Say Goodbye Son? Short answer, my favourite animal is the Bison. I wanted to incorporate the Bison into my campaign as those closest around me know how much I like them. I felt the Bison’s story can really correlate in a mental health context. By the end of the 1800’s, the Bison’s numbers were in the low thousands, down from the millions that once roamed the Plains & Plateaus only a few decades ago. This was done to try to eradicate an entire culture that depended on them. When people are at their lowest point, maybe I can help bring somebody up to feel better, just like the propping up of the Bison population today. Also, I thought it was a unique pun.

I want to use this site for a few reasons - to help connect better with Policy Makers and anyone willing to share advice, stories etc and also as a place to try other less conventional ways to help - community initiatives, volunteer work etc.

My petition is attached underneath this message.

I truly have a desire to help in the best ways I can. I am always open to suggestions and please excuse the clunkiness of the site, I am not savvy with tech.

Lets make change,

Mike