Proper treatment and support have dramatically improved the health and quality of life for persons with serious psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. We must ensure that the best and most appropriate medications are always available to those who need them.

News Updates

September 12, 2011

Mental Health Strategy for Canada

Major concerns have been expressed about the draft Mental Health Strategy for Canada circulated in July 2011 by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). The draft document sets out priorities for action to transform our mental health system. Nevertheless, there is scant reference to the urgent needs of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression.

Instead of supporting evidence-based drug therapy and psychiatric intervention to prevent further deterioration of mental health and associated disability of the illness, the draft document proposed alternatives that disregard the medical model of mental illness.

The "recovery model" proposed by the MHCC has been widely criticized, including the Coalition for Appropriate Care and Treament and André Picard in an article, "Mental health strategy doesn't go far enough" published on August 31, 2011 in the Globe and Mail.

On September 12, Louise Bradley, President and CEO of the MHCC responded to the criticisms in a letter addressed "To All Canadians" on its website where she acknowledged serious problems with the draft document. "We recognize that the current strategy does not sufficiently reflect the essential role neuroscience, treatment and psychiatry have to play, and we will make sure this is corrected in the final document."

The final document is expected to be released in February 2012.

December 20, 2010

Respect, Recovery, Resilience:
Recommendations for Ontario's Mental Health and Addictions Strategy

The report focuses on evidence and best practices while considering the social determinants of health, diversity, stigma and discrimination. Chief among the recommondations is to make better use of existing resources by integrating services across sectors, in particular, with education, justice, housing and social services. The report recommends the extension of the hours of primary care and community-based mental health and addiction services, such as from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., which would reduce the odds of people seeking treatment at hospital emergency rooms.

The report issued by the Advisory Group appointed in 2008 by Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, follows a lengthy list of reports to overhaul the mental health system in the province. Click here for a copy of the report.

November 1, 2010

Healthy Minds, Healthy People

British Columbia released its 10-year plan to address mental health and substance use with a focus on prevention of problems, early intervention and sustainability. In addition to mental health promotion strategies and targeted prevention and risk/harm reduction strategies, the plan recognizes that people with severe and complex mental disorders require intensive therapeutic interventions. Priorities include appropriate access to hospital and specialized bed-based treatment. The plan notes that, "Early identification of psychotic episodes of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is crucial because the longer the delay in treatment, the greater the likelihood of developing a chronic severe illness and the poorer the outcome."

The plan also recognizes that the "appropriate use of pharmaceutical therapies is a crucial aspect of treatment for people with severe mental illness and can significantly reduce personal suffering and modify the chronic course and disability associated with the illness."  Click here for a copy of the 10-year plan.
 

August 26, 2010

Navigating the Journey to Wellness: 
The Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Ontarians

The Ontario Select Committee for Mental Health and Addictions held public meetings over 30 days and heard testimony from 230 presenters throughout the province. Click here for a copy of the final report.

“We have been privileged to work collaboratively with our fellow Members of Provincial Parliament, mental health and addictions experts and, most importantly, individuals and their families, to develop this comprehensive plan for mental health and addictions services in Ontario,” said Christine Elliott (PC) and Sylvia Jones (PC).  “It is our sincere hope that these recommendations will result in wellness, dignity, and opportunity for all Ontarians.”

“As a Committee we were challenged by the people whose lives have been so completely altered by mental illness and addiction to be creative and innovative,” said Maria Van Bommel (LIB) on behalf of the Liberal Members of the Committee. “Their stories forged the determination of Committee members from all political parties to develop a plan that will better the lives of so many deserving Ontarians. We are hopeful and proud to recommend the creation of a provincial agency that will change our approach to mental wellness and addictions recovery.”

“I agreed to join the Select Committee because I knew we needed to do better,” said France Gélinas (NDP).  “Listening to all the testimony was very difficult. Our existing system has failed so many people, often with catastrophic consequences. Our recommendations will make Ontario an example of excellence for people facing mental health and addictions issues. I look forward to the implementation of the report.”

Click here for a copy of the Interim Report released in March 2010.