National Knowledge Exchange Centre for Mental Health and Addiction

Organizations laud Kirby Committee's proposed new Canadian Mental Health Commission

TORONTO, Nov. 24 /CNW/ -

Creating a new Canadian body empowered to throw a national spotlight onto the marginalized issues of mental health and addictions and keep it there until effective solutions are implemented has won the praise of three of Ontario's leading mental health and addiction organizations. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs (OFCMHAP) and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) today applauded the Federal Ministry of Health's decision to accept the proposal by Senator Kirby's Standing Committee to create a Canadian Mental Health Commission to move these long-neglected health issues into the mainstream through initiatives such as a national Knowledge Exchange Centre and anti-stigma campaign.

"The need for such a commission to focus on mental health and addiction issues across the country is undeniable," commented Karen McGrath, CMHA, Ontario's CEO today. "The quality of the mental health services you receive should not depend on where in Canada you live. A national commission to make objective, evidence-based 'best practice' information on mental illness and addictions equally available to communities and governments across Canada will have an incredibly positive effect on the quality of care and services received by some of the most vulnerable people in our country." "While needing to recognize the unique services of addiction providers, the creation of a national body is an important step towards helping the many vulnerable Canadians facing an addiction and or mental illness," said David Kelly, Executive Director of OFCMHAP. "It also recognizes that we in Canada have a lot of catching up to do - mental health and addictions have fallen behind other health issues despite the fact they directly affect one in five Canadians and have severe social, employment and economic implications." But for Dr. Paul Garfinkel, CAMH President and CEO, it is the proposal's emphasis on reducing stigma and ending discrimination that resonates most strongly: "Every day we hear from patients and their families who delayed seeking treatment because they feared the social stigma that a diagnosis of mental illness or addiction would bring. In fact, research shows that two-thirds of affected people never seek treatment. The power of stigma cannot be underestimated, and this commitment by the Federal Government to create a national commission to help educate Canadians about the reality of mental illness -- with the ultimate goal of eliminating all forms of discrimination against people and families living with mental illness -- will be welcomed from coast to coast," Dr. Garfinkel said. -30- /For further information: or to schedule interviews, contact: Liz Scanlon, CMHA, Ontario, (416) 977-5580 ext. 4131; Michael Torres, CAMH, (416) 595-6015; David Kelly, OFCMHAP, (416) 490-8900 ext. 22/


CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

Commission established to serve country's mental health needs Prompt action urged to continue momentum

OTTAWA, Nov. 24 /CNW/ -

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) applauds the Minister of Health for announcing today the establishment of a Commission on Mental Health, Mental Illness and Substance Abuse. The CMHA views this as a momentous step towards the development and implementation of a strategy to address the mental health needs of all the people of Canada. "We strongly urge the Minister of Health to promptly meet with representatives from the mental health/mental illness stakeholder community -including consumers of mental health services - to discuss the steps required to ensure this Commission becomes a reality in early 2006," says Penelope Marrett, National CEO, the Canadian Mental Health Association. "We must now focus on building momentum, even during this time of political uncertainty." This Commission's work will be critical for the improved health of all people of Canada: the one in five who will develop a mental illness during their lifetime; the many more who will experience other mental health problems; and all those individuals around them whose lives will be indirectly effected - at home, at school, at work and in their communities. Canada remains one of the only developed countries without a mental health strategy in place. With more than six million people requiring a range of mental health services in this country's communities - from rural to urban - a coordinated well planned approach to serving those needs is imperative,Marrett adds. "The Commission's success will ultimately be judged on the development and implementation of a strategy for mental health and mental illness for this country, but the government cannot do it alone. We anticipate and look forward to being involved at every step along the way." The Canadian Mental Health Association is a national, voluntary organization that exists to promote the mental health of all people and to serve mental health consumers, their families and friends through education, public awareness, research, advocacy and direct services, in more than 135 communities across the country.