Image Credit: Days of Action / Facebook

By Dylana Milobar

MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY

Kamloops woman pushing on with cross-country cycling for mental health care improvements

Jun 16, 2019 | 2:02 PM

KAMLOOPS — A Kamloops woman’s solo bike trek to Ottawa, advocating for mental health care improvements, has been halted for now.

About two weeks ago, Days of Action founder Marlene Hibbs took her mental health advocacy to the next level and began bicycling across Canada.

Hibbs hopes to make it from Kamloops to Ottawa, and have a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss ways mental health care can be improved in the country.

However, according to Hibbs travel plans were put on hold after she made it to Edmonton, and her bike was snatched.

“It was stolen. I had it securely locked up, but these things happen, and someone saw an opportunity,” She sighs, “I hope they’re really enjoying my bike because it was a really beautiful bike.”

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The 70 lbs of equipment Hibbs had been carrying along the trip was at an AirBNB she was staying at, so she says right now the main focus is getting back on the road with a new bike.

An expense explanation and fundraising page for the cause has been set up on Facebook (link accessed here), and Hibbs says she’s gotten a few helpful offers.

“I’ve had a few people offer their bikes, but it is kind of like a bra or pants. You’ve got to try it on first. So it’s got to be the right fit,” She explains, “I really need to make sure I’m protecting my safety, and also make sure that the bike and myself are in sync.”

Once she gets back on the road, Hibbs says she will continue plugging along and make it to Ottawa within about three months.

In the meantime, Hibbs has begun trying to connect with local politicians in the areas she passes through while gathering stories of mental health and trauma along the way.

“I’m using this time to get a jump on calling all the MLA’s, MP’s, and being ready for them on Monday, and sending them my news release.”

Having already done 900 km from Kamloops, through the Rocky Mountains, to Edmonton, Hibbs says the trek is a physical representation of her mental constitution, and what people are capable of.

“I like to think everyone has that (mental strength) in them. Athleticism is a way to express it,” She says, “You can do that with art, music, and cooking too.”

Unlike many rides or runs for a cause, Hibbs is not raising money for a foundation, but making the ride to eventually try and meet with the Prime Minister.

“It’s not about raising money. There has been enough money raised for these causes. Now it’s time for the federal government to change what is acceptable,” She stresses, “How that will happen is when people say ‘No, I deserve more’. That’s why I’m drawing awareness to this issue because it really does start with a person.”

Hibbs is not without ideas on how to bring change. She pointed to two areas of improvement that could have a trickle-down effect.

“The punch card system we have, for instance, therapy is 10 sessions a year. You cannot build a relationship in 10 sessions, let alone take someone’s entire life story in 10 sessions,” She explains, “And good luck finding somebody who has openings. You’re usually told to wait six months. That’s one area we need to change. Therapy needs to be looked at as a necessity.”

Besides improving wait times, and how often therapy can be access on a health plan, Hibbs says there needs to be an incentive for students to go into psychiatry and therapy courses.

“We need to be making education approachable and affordable,” Hibbs says, “Nurses for instance, and therapists, can often spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on their education.”

While figures out the best bike option, Hibbs says the support from her home in Kamloops has been immense.

“That love is carrying me through this spot here, so thank you.”