New evidence is contributing to the recognition that exercise can have mental health benefits for people with serious mental illness, according to a recent scientific review published by the Cochrane Collaboration. The review, “Exercise Therapy for Schizophrenia” by Paul Gorczynsky and Guy Faulkner from the University of Toronto, looked at three recent randomized controlled trials […]Continue readingExercise therapy for schizophrenia
Mental Health Notes
CIHI study finds depression in 44 percent of seniors in residential care facilities
A new study on depression among seniors living in residential care has been released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information. The study is based on a sample of nearly 50,000 seniors from 550 residential care facilities (or long-term care, nursing or personal care homes) in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Yukon. This […]Continue readingCIHI study finds depression in 44 percent of seniors in residential care facilities
StatsCan report reveals a jump in reported hate crimes in 2008
A new report from Statistics Canada reveals a 35 percent increase in hate crimes reported by police between 2007 and 2008. Just over half (55 percent) of the 1,036 incidents reported in 2008 involved race or ethnicity, followed by religion (26 percent) and sexual orientation (16 percent). The number of police-reported hate crimes in Canada […]Continue readingStatsCan report reveals a jump in reported hate crimes in 2008
MHCC seeks new members for board and advisory committees
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is seeking applicants to fill two vacancies on its board of directors. MHCC requires a board member from Canada’s Inuit community and an expert in financial management and information systems. Applicants and interested parties should contact Glenn Thompson, Secretary to the Board, at gthompson@mentalhealthcommission.ca. For more information, see www.mentalhealthcommission.ca. MHCC […]Continue readingMHCC seeks new members for board and advisory committees
Creating Together: New website now available
Creating Together: Developing a Mental Health and Addictions Research Agenda for Ontario is a six-month province-wide process to bring researchers and diverse stakeholders of mental health and addictions research together to co-create a research agenda. Its new website is now accessible at www.creatingtogether.net. The website provides interested readers with background information about the goals of the […]Continue readingCreating Together: New website now available
Registration now open for Provincial Summer Institute: Counselling Skills for Concurrent Disorders
This year’s Provincial Summer Institute takes place August 17-19 in Toronto. Through plenary sessions, discussions with colleagues and peers, and training workshops, the 2010 event will provide a high-quality learning experience to health care professionals who may work on cases involving concurrent disorders. Day 1 will feature keynote speakers, a panel presentation and break-out sessions; […]Continue readingRegistration now open for Provincial Summer Institute: Counselling Skills for Concurrent Disorders
Canadians’ use of mental health services in later life studied
A new national survey looked at the prevalence of service use as well as the social, demographic and need factors associated with the utilization of mental health services among adults who are 55 years of age and older. The survey had a large, representative sample of Canadians. Secondary data from the Canadian Community Health Survey: […]Continue readingCanadians’ use of mental health services in later life studied
Toolkits for evidence-based practices available from SAMHSA
Five toolkits that promote the use of evidence-based practices in mental health services are available from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) and its Centre for Mental Health Services (CMHS). The toolkits, known as Evidence-Based Practice KITs (which stands for Knowledge Informing Transformation), are part of the administration’s science-to-services strategy. The following […]Continue readingToolkits for evidence-based practices available from SAMHSA
Independent review of AODA released
An independent review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) was released by the Ontario Government on May 31, 2010, the fifth anniversary of its enactment and the start of National Access Awareness Week. The report, from independent reviewer Charles Beer, includes findings and recommendations based on extensive consultation with many members […]Continue readingIndependent review of AODA released
Survey on women’s health in Ontario
Echo: Improving Women’s Health in Ontario, an agency of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), is inviting women to fill out a 20-minute online survey. It inquires about the health topics of most interest to them, especially in relation to personal experiences with health issues, services, information and treatment. The survey is anonymous. […]Continue readingSurvey on women’s health in Ontario