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{{Short description|Canadian non-profit organization}} |
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{{distinguish|text = the [[Centre for Addiction and Mental Health]] (CAMH)}} |
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{{multiple issues| |
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{{Infobox organization |
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{{refimprove|date=September 2014}} |
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| name = Canadian Mental Health Association |
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{{advert|date=September 2012}} |
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| formation = {{start date and age|1918|4|22}} |
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| logo = Canadian Mental Health Association logo.svg |
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| founder = Clarence M. Hincks<br/>[[Clifford W. Beers]] |
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| founding_location = |
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| registration_id = 10686 3657 RR0001 |
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| headquarters = [[Toronto]], Ontario |
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| location_country = Canada |
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| leader_title = National CEO |
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| leader_name = Margaret Eaton<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Staff |url=https://cmha.ca/who-we-are/cmha-national/our-staff/ |access-date=2022-12-21 |website=CMHA National |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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| website = {{official url}} |
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}} |
}} |
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⚫ | The '''Canadian Mental Health Association''' (CMHA) is |
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⚫ | The '''Canadian Mental Health Association''' ('''CMHA''') is a Canadian non-profit mental health organization that focuses on resources, programs and advocacy. It was founded on April 22, 1918, by Dr. Clarence M. Hincks and [[Clifford W. Beers]]. Originally named the ''Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene'', it is one of the largest and oldest voluntary health organizations operating in [[Canada]].<ref>{{cite web | access-date=2019-05-17 | url=https://cmha.ca/about-cmha | title=About the Canadian Mental Health Association}}</ref> |
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⚫ | Each year, CMHA divisions and branches across Canada provide service to more than 1.3 million Canadians annually through the combined efforts of more than 10,000 volunteers and 5,000 staff in locally run organizations in more than 300 communities in every province.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1149979/canadian-mental-health-association-marks-earth-day-with-support-from-bell-let-s-talk|title=Canadian Mental Health Association marks Earth Day with support from Bell Let's Talk|website=www.newswire.ca}}</ref> Its functions are to provide the resources and programs necessary to combat mental health issues and support recovery. |
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⚫ | Each year, CMHA divisions and branches across Canada provide service to more than 1.3 million Canadians annually through the combined efforts of more than 10,000 volunteers and 5,000 staff in locally run organizations in more than 300 communities in every province.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1149979/canadian-mental-health-association-marks-earth-day-with-support-from-bell-let-s-talk|title=Canadian Mental Health Association marks Earth Day with support from Bell Let's Talk|website=www.newswire.ca}}</ref> Its functions are to provide the resources and programs necessary to combat mental health issues and support recovery. The CMHA runs multiple programs a year focused on raising awareness for mental health issues while supporting partner organizations and relevant initiatives. The association is also known to release public statements addressing different laws, regulations, and governmental initiatives that affect mental health. |
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⚫ | |||
{{unsourced|section|date=October 2017}} |
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⚫ | |||
=== Creation === |
=== Creation === |
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The Canadian Mental Health Association originally |
The Canadian Mental Health Association originally started as the Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene (CNCMH) in response to the hundreds of soldiers returning from World War I experiencing [[mental illness]].<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|url=https://cmha.ca/about-cmha/history-of-cmha|title=History of CMHA|website=CMHA National|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> Veterans' were placed in prisons and asylums and Dr. Clarence M. Hincks noticed the lack of support, doctors and treatment inside these institutions, thus creating the need to change.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cmha.ca/about-cmha|title=About CMHA|website=CMHA National|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> Hincks, unsure how to proceed, partnered with Clifford W. Beers who had experience in the National Committee of Mental Hygiene in the United States to bring [[mental hygiene]] to Canada. |
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⚫ | The first official meeting of the CNCMH was held in Ottawa on April 26, 1918. A provisional constitution was adopted, Dr C.F. Martin, Professor of Medicine at McGill University, was elected President, Dr [[Charles Kirk Clarke]] was appointed Medical Director, and Dr. C.M. Hincks was appointed Associate Medical Director and Secretary.<ref name=":02" /> |
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The first meeting of the organization included objectives like a psychiatric examination of recruits, adequate care of returned soldiers suffering from mental disabilities, a mental examination of immigrants to ensure a better selection of newcomers, adequate facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of cases of mental disease, adequate care of the mentally deficient, and prevention of mental disease and deficiency.<ref name=":0" /> |
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The meeting aimed to devise a plan to best assist those already in need as well as to establish preventative measures in the future. This included objectives like a psychiatric and mental examinations of recruits, insuring adequate facilities for diagnosis and proper treatment for soldiers returning suffering from a mental disability or disease, and prevention of mental disease and deficiency.<ref name=":02" /> |
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⚫ | Hincks then worked on finding |
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⚫ | Hincks then worked on finding doctors, creating a Board of Directors, and gaining donors to build his committee. With an importance of having a team of approved medical professions, Hincks discovered C.K. Clarke, Dean of Medicine and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, and the medical faculty of McGill. Hincks selected 18 members for his Board of Directors, including well known names like Lord Shaughnessy, President of the CPR; Richard B. Angus, Montreal financier and philanthropist; Dr. C.F. Martin, Professor of Medicine, McGill University; Sir Vincent Meredith, President, Bank of Montreal; and F.W. Molson, President of Molson's Brewery.<ref name=":02" /> |
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⚫ | Hincks |
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⚫ | Hincks utilized co-founder Clifford W. Beers personal experience in mental health as a tool to share during "drawing-room meetings", or afternoon teas with influential women in order to gain the support of their wealthy friends. The strategy was extended to homes of friends in Quebec City, Montreal and Ottawa, and it proved successful by recruiting an impressive list of potential members and donors.<ref name=":02" /> |
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⚫ | The first official meeting of the CNCMH was held in Ottawa on April 26, 1918. A provisional constitution was adopted, Dr C.F. Martin, Professor of Medicine at McGill University, was elected President, Dr |
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=== |
=== Surveys === |
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One of the first opportunities for the association was a project given by Lieutenant Colonel Colin Russel who asked CNCMH to visit all mental institutions—jails, schools, hospitals, and special homes—in the province of Manitoba caring for soldiers. Russel had previously visited these sites and was distressed with the conditions of the facilities as well as the treatment and hoped to change them.<ref name=":02" /> |
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Lieutenant Colonel Colin Russel soon gave the CNCMH an opportunity to undertake a project. Russel was the consultant neurologist to the Department of Soldiers and had visited many of the provincial mental hospitals which were caring for soldier patients. He was particularly distressed with those facilities in Manitoba. That province's government included with the mental hospitals in the province, all the institutions presently caring for the mentally disordered or defective including jails, schools, special homes and juvenile courts. |
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On September 30, 1918, Hincks and |
On September 30, 1918, Hincks and his secretary Miss Marjorie Keyes arrived and visited several institutions including the Salvation Army Industrial Home and the Home for Incurables in Portage la Prairie. Hincks and Keyes then submitted a formal report of surveys to the government and the Public Welfare Commission. Requests for similar surveys began to occur in other provinces. During the next four years, requests for surveys were received from British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, [[Prince Edward Island]], Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Surveys reviled the impact war had on individuals, highlighting neuropsychiatric disorders and mental health diseases, as well as the improper treatment and care of soldiers. This project helped to pave the way of the National Committee and extend their focus to more than just soldiers.<ref name=":02" /> |
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Original surveys conducted for the Lieutenant showed the extent of mental disorder was found to be greater than expected and extended beyond veterans. Surveys in schools showed a large number of mental retardation and psychiatric disorders in children. However, according to the organization, programs to address the children's needs were non-existent. CNCMH recommended the government spend over six million dollars to improve facilities and establish auxiliary classes for the special education of such children.<ref name=":02" /> |
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As a result of the Manitoba Survey, and that province's quick response in implementing the recommendations, other provinces became interested in having similar surveys. During the next four years, requests for surveys were received from British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, [[Prince Edward Island]], Alberta, and Saskatchewan. As in Manitoba, these surveys included all institutions. Results of these surveys, however, have had controversial implications, including how they were used to argue for pro-sterilization policies by the [[Alberta Eugenics Board#Historical context|Alberta Eugenics Board]] and in the form of the ''[[Sexual Sterilization Act]]'' of Alberta. |
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Subsequently, 150 special classes were established, rehabilitation of soldiers suffering from mental health issues was properly addressed, and there was a reduction in the new number of cases of Canadians with mental disorders.<ref name=":02" /> |
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The CNCMH also was very involved in the plight of soldiers. It became evident to Hincks that soldiers under care were not receiving adequate treatment. Assisted by Miss Keyes, Dr. Clarke conducted a quick inspection soldier patients in 10 hospitals in the western. The results of this preliminary survey were published in 1920. Highlighting the problem of shell shock and other neuropsychiatric disorders affecting so many able-bodied men helped pave the way for the work of the National Committee. |
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=== |
=== Kingston branch closure === |
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⚫ | In March 2020, the Canadian Mental Health Association was forced to close down its Kingston Branch due to a lack of financial support. After 40 years of operations, the branch's overhead costs were too high to sustain and were not being met through the fundraising efforts and grants that fuel the organization.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kingston branch of Canadian Mental Health Association announces closure: 'It has been a privilege' |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6589257/kingston-branch-cmha-closure/ |access-date=2020-04-15 |website=Global News |language=en}}</ref> A change in Ontario's health funding as well as insufficient donations did not provide adequate capital to continue operations. The branch focused on ensuring programs previously offered through the Kingston CMHA would be adopted and available through other non-for-profit agencies, including the Polson Park Free Methodist Church, TransFamily Kingston, and Elizabeth Fry Kingston.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-24 |title=CMHA Kingston Branch announces upcoming closure – Kingston News |url=https://www.kingstonist.com/news/cmha-kingston-branch-announces-upcoming-closure/ |access-date=2020-04-15 |website=Kingstonist News - 100% local, independent news in Kingston, ON |language=en-US}}</ref> All remaining funds were donated to community organizations. |
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Schools were other areas of involvement. Dr. Hincks and Dr. Helen MacMurchy pressed for surveys to assess the extent of mental retardation and other psychiatric disorders among schoolchildren and to provide support for the establishment of auxiliary classes for the special education of such children. In its first five years, the CNCMH built a firm foundation for meeting the objectives established in 1918. Surveys on the care and treatment of people suffering from mental disorders were conducted in every province. Mental hospitals in all provinces, except Ontario and Quebec, were inspected at the request of provincial governments. The extent of mental disorder was found to be greater than expected, and preventive programs were non-existent. In accordance with the committee's recommendations, provincial governments spent over six million dollars on improving facilities for the mentally ill. |
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== Programs == |
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CNCMH surveys of schoolchildren, conducted in several centres in Ontario and Quebec, resulted in over 150 special classes for retarded children being established by school boards. Mental Hygiene clinics were promoted and, in some cases, partially supported. A study of the psychiatric screening of immigrants resulted in a reduction of the number of new Canadians with mental disorders. The problem of "shell shock" and the rehabilitation of soldiers suffering from mental and nervous disorders was addressed through co-operation with DSCR and the Director General of Medical Services in the army. A beginning was made on public and professional education in mental hygiene and psychiatry. |
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[[File:3rd Annual Ride Don't Hide Community Bike Ride - Calgary 2016.jpg|thumb|345x345px|Canadian Mental Health Association's third annual Ride Don't Hide community bike ride & fundraising event in Calgary, June 2016]] |
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== |
=== Peer Support Canada === |
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⚫ | Peer Support Canada is an organization which specializes in connecting certified people who have experienced and beaten mental health issues with current sufferers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cmha.ca/programs-services/peer-support-canada|title=Peer Support Canada|website=CMHA National|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref> The group also offers a certification, a three-phase program where individuals are assessed and verified based on the national Standards of Practice regarding the knowledge and skills necessary to assist those with mental health challenges. The organization has 9 certification committee members and 13 peer support members who provide as a contributor to the recovery process.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://peersupportcanada.ca/|title=Peer Support Canada|website=peersupportcanada.ca|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref> |
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=== '''Peer''' '''Support Canada''' === |
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⚫ | Peer Support Canada is an organization which specializes in connecting certified people who have experienced and beaten mental health issues with current sufferers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cmha.ca/programs-services/peer-support-canada|title=Peer Support Canada|website=CMHA National|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref> The group also offers a certification, a three-phase program where individuals are |
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=== Not Myself Today === |
=== Not Myself Today === |
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Not Myself Today is a campaign |
Not Myself Today is a campaign addressing mental health issues by cultivating a better workplace culture through training and services in corporations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cmha.ca/programs-services/not-myself-today|title=Not Myself Today|website=CMHA National|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref> Companies that use the program receive a toolkit containing planning support, awareness and engagement activities, and evaluation tools. Participants also have access to an exclusive online portal, as well as national recognition from the Canadian Mental Health Association. Currently, 450 organizations and 380,000 employees have utilized the campaign's programs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.notmyselftoday.ca/what-you-receive/|title=Not Myself Today - What You Receive|website=www.notmyselftoday.ca|language=en|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref> |
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=== Carryit === |
=== Carryit === |
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The CMHA introduced Carryit in 2019, a toolkit to be used by those involved in schools to carry with them in case of opioid overdoses. The kit includes a method by which schools can create opioid overdose protocols through providing educational materials on opioids and [[naloxone]], fact sheets related to drug use, social media content examples, posters, and other useful tools to create an understanding and blueprint of how to combat drug overdoses in educational institutions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cmha.ca/carryit|title=Carry It Toolkit|website=CMHA National|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref> |
The CMHA introduced Carryit in 2019, a toolkit to be used by those involved in schools to carry with them in case of opioid overdoses. The kit includes a method by which schools can create opioid overdose protocols through providing educational materials on opioids and [[naloxone]], fact sheets related to drug use, social media content examples, posters, and other useful tools to create an understanding and blueprint of how to combat drug overdoses in educational institutions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cmha.ca/carryit|title=Carry It Toolkit|website=CMHA National|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref> |
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=== Recovery |
=== Recovery colleges === |
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The CMHA has introduced Recovery Colleges that bring together both trained professionals and those who have lived with mental health issues to develop and deliver courses designed to facilitate the hope and skills necessary to help students recover.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cmha.ca/programs-services/recovery-college|title=Recovery Colleges|website=CMHA National|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref> They are based |
The CMHA has introduced Recovery Colleges that bring together both trained professionals and those who have lived with mental health issues to develop and deliver courses designed to facilitate the hope and skills necessary to help students recover.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cmha.ca/programs-services/recovery-college|title=Recovery Colleges|website=CMHA National|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref> Recovery Colleges are also available to anyone who like to support mental health sufferers. They are based on a similar system that was started in 2009 in the UK and have spread to several locations in Canada, thus far. Peer Support Canada has also played an integral role in connecting those with shared experiences to provide emotional support and have collaborative discussions in how to achieve recovery. |
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=== Toronto Community Crisis Service === |
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== Shortcomings == |
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The CMHA is a partner agency of the [[Municipal government of Toronto|City of Toronto]]'s [[Toronto Community Crisis Service]] pilot program. It provides crisis workers in Toronto's northwest, which respond to non-emergency, non-violent mental health calls as an alternative to police.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-01-19 |title=Mobile crisis teams could begin responding to some non-emergency calls in place of police as soon as March: report |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/mobile-crisis-teams-could-begin-responding-to-some-non-emergency-calls-in-place-of-police-as-soon-as-march-report-1.5746032?cache=%2F7.558817 |access-date=2022-11-04 |website=CP24 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 29, 2022 |title=Toronto to launch crisis response pilot projects without police in downtown east and northeast |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-community-crisis-service-pilot-projects-1.6402037 |website=CBC News}}</ref> |
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== Policy statements == |
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=== Kingston Branch Closure === |
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The CMHA releases public statements criticizing local, provincial, and federal regulation as they pertain to mental health. Often, the statements express the organization's perspective on a certain issue and subsequently call for action. |
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⚫ | In March |
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=== Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) === |
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In June |
In June 2016, Bill C-14 passed through the Parliament of Canada to legalize [[euthanasia in Canada]]. The bill made it so that those who wish to receive a medically assisted death are permitted to do so through the assistance of a medical practitioner.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bill C-14 (Historical) {{!}} openparliament.ca |url=https://openparliament.ca/bills/42-1/C-14/ |access-date=2020-04-15 |website=openparliament.ca}}</ref> In September 2017, the Canadian Mental Health Association released a public declaration declaring their position that MAiD for psychiatric patients should remain illegal, asserting that recovery is possible for those with mental health issues and that MAiD should not be treated as a substitute for treatment and support.<ref name="cmha.ca">{{Cite web |title=CMHA Position on Medical Assistance in Dying |url=https://cmha.ca/documents/cmha-position-on-medical-assistance-in-dying |access-date=2020-04-15 |website=CMHA National |language=en-US}}</ref> The CMHA proposed recommendations to the Canadian government including investments in mental health and addiction services, a national suicide prevention strategy, and research. |
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=== Call for Mental Health Legislation === |
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In September 2018, CMHA called for new legislation to bring mental health into balance with physical health. This statement followed a survey commissioned by the CMHA discovered that over half of Canadians (53%) consider anxiety and depression to be 'epidemic' in Canada.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cmha.ca/documents/over-half-of-canadians-consider-anxiety-and-depression-epidemic|title=Over half of Canadians consider anxiety and depression 'epidemic'|website=CMHA National|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> |
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=== Opioid Crisis Response === |
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Following the escalating rates of opioid-related injuries and deaths in Canada in 2009, CMHA developed and in-depth evidence-based policy and regulation paper directed at the Canadian government, policy markers and health organizations. CMHA gathered resources and organizations such as the Public Policy Working Group, the National Council of Persons with Lived Experience, the national provincial executive team and the national board of directors in drafting this policy paper.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cmha.ca/documents/care-not-corrections-relieving-the-opioid-crisis-in-canada|title=Care not Corrections: Relieving the Opioid Crisis in Canada|website=CMHA National|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> |
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=== Proposal to Establish a National Health Human Resources Infrastructure Fund === |
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In August 2009, the CMHA endorsed Health Action Lobby's (HEAL) document concluding that a health human resources infrastructure is required in Canada. CMHA cited an aging workforce and a higher volume and complexity of population health needs as reasons to establish this fund, along with the fact that the last similar act (Health Resources Fund Act) was introduced over 50 years ago in 1966.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cmha.ca/documents/a-proposal-to-establish-a-national-health-human-resources-infrastructure-fund|title=A Proposal to Establish a National Health Human Resources Infrastructure Fund|website=CMHA National|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[Mary Scullion]] |
*[[Mary Scullion]] |
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*[[Ride Don't Hide]] - Charity riding event to raise awareness of mental issues |
*[[Ride Don't Hide]] - Charity riding event to raise awareness of mental issues |
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*[[Centre for Addiction and Mental Health]] |
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*[[Healthcare in Canada]] |
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== References == |
== References == |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*{{official website|http://www.cmha.ca}} |
*{{official website|http://www.cmha.ca}} |
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*[https://cmha.ca/ |
*[https://cmha.ca/who-we-are/cmha-national/our-history/ Canadian Mental Health Association history] |
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{{authority control}} |
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[[Category:Mental health organizations in Canada]] |
[[Category:Mental health organizations in Canada]] |
Latest revision as of 15:56, 16 May 2024
![]() | |
Formation | April 22, 1918 |
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Founder | Clarence M. Hincks Clifford W. Beers |
Registration no. | 10686 3657 RR0001 |
Headquarters | Toronto, Ontario |
Location |
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National CEO | Margaret Eaton[1] |
Website | www |
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a Canadian non-profit mental health organization that focuses on resources, programs and advocacy. It was founded on April 22, 1918, by Dr. Clarence M. Hincks and Clifford W. Beers. Originally named the Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene, it is one of the largest and oldest voluntary health organizations operating in Canada.[2]
Each year, CMHA divisions and branches across Canada provide service to more than 1.3 million Canadians annually through the combined efforts of more than 10,000 volunteers and 5,000 staff in locally run organizations in more than 300 communities in every province.[3] Its functions are to provide the resources and programs necessary to combat mental health issues and support recovery. The CMHA runs multiple programs a year focused on raising awareness for mental health issues while supporting partner organizations and relevant initiatives. The association is also known to release public statements addressing different laws, regulations, and governmental initiatives that affect mental health.
History
[edit]Creation
[edit]The Canadian Mental Health Association originally started as the Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene (CNCMH) in response to the hundreds of soldiers returning from World War I experiencing mental illness.[4] Veterans' were placed in prisons and asylums and Dr. Clarence M. Hincks noticed the lack of support, doctors and treatment inside these institutions, thus creating the need to change.[5] Hincks, unsure how to proceed, partnered with Clifford W. Beers who had experience in the National Committee of Mental Hygiene in the United States to bring mental hygiene to Canada.
The first official meeting of the CNCMH was held in Ottawa on April 26, 1918. A provisional constitution was adopted, Dr C.F. Martin, Professor of Medicine at McGill University, was elected President, Dr Charles Kirk Clarke was appointed Medical Director, and Dr. C.M. Hincks was appointed Associate Medical Director and Secretary.[4]
The meeting aimed to devise a plan to best assist those already in need as well as to establish preventative measures in the future. This included objectives like a psychiatric and mental examinations of recruits, insuring adequate facilities for diagnosis and proper treatment for soldiers returning suffering from a mental disability or disease, and prevention of mental disease and deficiency.[4]
Hincks then worked on finding doctors, creating a Board of Directors, and gaining donors to build his committee. With an importance of having a team of approved medical professions, Hincks discovered C.K. Clarke, Dean of Medicine and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, and the medical faculty of McGill. Hincks selected 18 members for his Board of Directors, including well known names like Lord Shaughnessy, President of the CPR; Richard B. Angus, Montreal financier and philanthropist; Dr. C.F. Martin, Professor of Medicine, McGill University; Sir Vincent Meredith, President, Bank of Montreal; and F.W. Molson, President of Molson's Brewery.[4]
Hincks utilized co-founder Clifford W. Beers personal experience in mental health as a tool to share during "drawing-room meetings", or afternoon teas with influential women in order to gain the support of their wealthy friends. The strategy was extended to homes of friends in Quebec City, Montreal and Ottawa, and it proved successful by recruiting an impressive list of potential members and donors.[4]
Surveys
[edit]One of the first opportunities for the association was a project given by Lieutenant Colonel Colin Russel who asked CNCMH to visit all mental institutions—jails, schools, hospitals, and special homes—in the province of Manitoba caring for soldiers. Russel had previously visited these sites and was distressed with the conditions of the facilities as well as the treatment and hoped to change them.[4]
On September 30, 1918, Hincks and his secretary Miss Marjorie Keyes arrived and visited several institutions including the Salvation Army Industrial Home and the Home for Incurables in Portage la Prairie. Hincks and Keyes then submitted a formal report of surveys to the government and the Public Welfare Commission. Requests for similar surveys began to occur in other provinces. During the next four years, requests for surveys were received from British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Surveys reviled the impact war had on individuals, highlighting neuropsychiatric disorders and mental health diseases, as well as the improper treatment and care of soldiers. This project helped to pave the way of the National Committee and extend their focus to more than just soldiers.[4]
Original surveys conducted for the Lieutenant showed the extent of mental disorder was found to be greater than expected and extended beyond veterans. Surveys in schools showed a large number of mental retardation and psychiatric disorders in children. However, according to the organization, programs to address the children's needs were non-existent. CNCMH recommended the government spend over six million dollars to improve facilities and establish auxiliary classes for the special education of such children.[4]
Subsequently, 150 special classes were established, rehabilitation of soldiers suffering from mental health issues was properly addressed, and there was a reduction in the new number of cases of Canadians with mental disorders.[4]
Kingston branch closure
[edit]In March 2020, the Canadian Mental Health Association was forced to close down its Kingston Branch due to a lack of financial support. After 40 years of operations, the branch's overhead costs were too high to sustain and were not being met through the fundraising efforts and grants that fuel the organization.[6] A change in Ontario's health funding as well as insufficient donations did not provide adequate capital to continue operations. The branch focused on ensuring programs previously offered through the Kingston CMHA would be adopted and available through other non-for-profit agencies, including the Polson Park Free Methodist Church, TransFamily Kingston, and Elizabeth Fry Kingston.[7] All remaining funds were donated to community organizations.
Programs
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/3rd_Annual_Ride_Don%27t_Hide_Community_Bike_Ride_-_Calgary_2016.jpg/345px-3rd_Annual_Ride_Don%27t_Hide_Community_Bike_Ride_-_Calgary_2016.jpg)
Peer Support Canada
[edit]Peer Support Canada is an organization which specializes in connecting certified people who have experienced and beaten mental health issues with current sufferers.[8] The group also offers a certification, a three-phase program where individuals are assessed and verified based on the national Standards of Practice regarding the knowledge and skills necessary to assist those with mental health challenges. The organization has 9 certification committee members and 13 peer support members who provide as a contributor to the recovery process.[9]
Not Myself Today
[edit]Not Myself Today is a campaign addressing mental health issues by cultivating a better workplace culture through training and services in corporations.[10] Companies that use the program receive a toolkit containing planning support, awareness and engagement activities, and evaluation tools. Participants also have access to an exclusive online portal, as well as national recognition from the Canadian Mental Health Association. Currently, 450 organizations and 380,000 employees have utilized the campaign's programs.[11]
Carryit
[edit]The CMHA introduced Carryit in 2019, a toolkit to be used by those involved in schools to carry with them in case of opioid overdoses. The kit includes a method by which schools can create opioid overdose protocols through providing educational materials on opioids and naloxone, fact sheets related to drug use, social media content examples, posters, and other useful tools to create an understanding and blueprint of how to combat drug overdoses in educational institutions.[12]
Recovery colleges
[edit]The CMHA has introduced Recovery Colleges that bring together both trained professionals and those who have lived with mental health issues to develop and deliver courses designed to facilitate the hope and skills necessary to help students recover.[13] Recovery Colleges are also available to anyone who like to support mental health sufferers. They are based on a similar system that was started in 2009 in the UK and have spread to several locations in Canada, thus far. Peer Support Canada has also played an integral role in connecting those with shared experiences to provide emotional support and have collaborative discussions in how to achieve recovery.
Toronto Community Crisis Service
[edit]The CMHA is a partner agency of the City of Toronto's Toronto Community Crisis Service pilot program. It provides crisis workers in Toronto's northwest, which respond to non-emergency, non-violent mental health calls as an alternative to police.[14][15]
Policy statements
[edit]The CMHA releases public statements criticizing local, provincial, and federal regulation as they pertain to mental health. Often, the statements express the organization's perspective on a certain issue and subsequently call for action.
Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)
[edit]In June 2016, Bill C-14 passed through the Parliament of Canada to legalize euthanasia in Canada. The bill made it so that those who wish to receive a medically assisted death are permitted to do so through the assistance of a medical practitioner.[16] In September 2017, the Canadian Mental Health Association released a public declaration declaring their position that MAiD for psychiatric patients should remain illegal, asserting that recovery is possible for those with mental health issues and that MAiD should not be treated as a substitute for treatment and support.[17] The CMHA proposed recommendations to the Canadian government including investments in mental health and addiction services, a national suicide prevention strategy, and research.
Call for Mental Health Legislation
[edit]In September 2018, CMHA called for new legislation to bring mental health into balance with physical health. This statement followed a survey commissioned by the CMHA discovered that over half of Canadians (53%) consider anxiety and depression to be 'epidemic' in Canada.[18]
Opioid Crisis Response
[edit]Following the escalating rates of opioid-related injuries and deaths in Canada in 2009, CMHA developed and in-depth evidence-based policy and regulation paper directed at the Canadian government, policy markers and health organizations. CMHA gathered resources and organizations such as the Public Policy Working Group, the National Council of Persons with Lived Experience, the national provincial executive team and the national board of directors in drafting this policy paper.[19]
Proposal to Establish a National Health Human Resources Infrastructure Fund
[edit]In August 2009, the CMHA endorsed Health Action Lobby's (HEAL) document concluding that a health human resources infrastructure is required in Canada. CMHA cited an aging workforce and a higher volume and complexity of population health needs as reasons to establish this fund, along with the fact that the last similar act (Health Resources Fund Act) was introduced over 50 years ago in 1966.[20]
See also
[edit]- Mental health
- Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Mary Scullion
- Ride Don't Hide - Charity riding event to raise awareness of mental issues
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Healthcare in Canada
References
[edit]- ^ "Our Staff". CMHA National. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
- ^ "About the Canadian Mental Health Association". Retrieved 2019-05-17.
- ^ "Canadian Mental Health Association marks Earth Day with support from Bell Let's Talk". www.newswire.ca.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "History of CMHA". CMHA National. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
- ^ "About CMHA". CMHA National. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
- ^ "Kingston branch of Canadian Mental Health Association announces closure: 'It has been a privilege'". Global News. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
- ^ "CMHA Kingston Branch announces upcoming closure – Kingston News". Kingstonist News - 100% local, independent news in Kingston, ON. 2020-02-24. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
- ^ "Peer Support Canada". CMHA National. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
- ^ "Peer Support Canada". peersupportcanada.ca. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
- ^ "Not Myself Today". CMHA National. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
- ^ "Not Myself Today - What You Receive". www.notmyselftoday.ca. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
- ^ "Carry It Toolkit". CMHA National. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
- ^ "Recovery Colleges". CMHA National. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
- ^ "Mobile crisis teams could begin responding to some non-emergency calls in place of police as soon as March: report". CP24. 2022-01-19. Retrieved 2022-11-04.
- ^ "Toronto to launch crisis response pilot projects without police in downtown east and northeast". CBC News. March 29, 2022.
- ^ "Bill C-14 (Historical) | openparliament.ca". openparliament.ca. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
- ^ "CMHA Position on Medical Assistance in Dying". CMHA National. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
- ^ "Over half of Canadians consider anxiety and depression 'epidemic'". CMHA National. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
- ^ "Care not Corrections: Relieving the Opioid Crisis in Canada". CMHA National. Retrieved 2020-04-15.
- ^ "A Proposal to Establish a National Health Human Resources Infrastructure Fund". CMHA National. Retrieved 2020-04-15.