A radiothon in support of mental health and addictions programs in the province is taking place today.

The Mental Health Matters Radiothon in support of the A Dollar A Day Foundation will raise funds for nine programs across the province.

Brendan Paddick, who is with the A Dollar A Day Foundation, says that nearly one in five people will experience mental health challenges by the time they’re 40.

“On any one day in Canada, there are some 500,000 people off work due to a mental health or addiction issue. That’s the population, every man, woman and child of Newfoundland, calling in sick tomorrow,” he said.

The Mental Health Matters Radiothon gets underway at 12:00 on the island, 11:30 across Labrador on the VOCM / Big Land FM radio network.