For the past year, Constable Jeff Bartsch has been helping to raise awareness about mental health in law enforcement

Constable Bartsch has run a handful of marathons in full police gear to help spread the message

And now he has the chance to be recognized nationally for his efforts through the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health awards gala. "I was contacted by a couple of followers on my social media who said that they would want to nominate me into the individuals category." Bartsch told Discover Weyburn.

"I started reading the criteria for that portion, and it was somebody who did something unique to promote mental health. And I thought, that's funny, because who the heck else would run a marathon in police gear for mental health?" he added.

Bartsch stressed he is not into this for the recognition. His hope is simple. "My goal with all of this is, even if I help one person, you know this one person, look at that guy, you know it's O.K. to do that. To tell people and nobody's saying anything. That's all I want. That's all I get out of it."

However, the nominations are open for more than individuals. Constable Bartsch says there are several from Weyburn who could also qualify. "The next one is any media personality or outlet who has contributed to public awareness, which is what you are doing, helping me." said Bartsch.

"And there's another one, a workplace. Any employer who contributes to the mental healthy workplace for their staff. Any community organization, so we're talking something like, where Tasha Collins (Executive Director, Weyburn branch of Canadian Mental Health Association) is, right?

Submissions will be accepted until February 24th. The awards will be held on May 3rd in Ottawa.

For a complete list of criteria and nomination guidlines, CLICK HERE for the link to the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health.