During is annual convention, the Association québécoise d'établissements de santé et services sociaux presented its AQESSS awards to institutions that have implemented innovative projects to improve services to the public.

The Coup de coeur award was won by the Communications team at the Douglas Institute in recognition of its public education program. The independent jury was impressed with the way the program, supported on Web 2.0, is raising awareness among members of the public about mental illness and helping to break the associated taboos. In her acceptance speech addressed to 500 representatives of healthcare institutions accross Quebec - including Yves Bolduc, Health Minister - Stéphanie Lassonde, Head of the Communications Department, reminded participants that 25% of individuals have been or will be affected by mental health problems over the course of their life, thus representing one out of four participants seated in the room.

The AQESSS 2009 awards are also an ideal occasion to acknowledge the work done by the directors, administrators and doctors who have made a difference through their commitment and leadership. In all, nine awards - including the Coup de coeur - were presented on Friday, May 22 at the convention held in Montreal.

The AQESSS represents 135 public institutions, including all hospitals, university hospital centres (UHC), affiliated hospitals, affiliated university hospitals, institutes, health and social services centres, and nursing homes.