In response to numerous requests from health care providers, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently released new clinical protocols and guidelines on treating the mental health consequences of trauma and loss. The new protocol, co-published with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), enables primary healthcare workers to offer basic psychological support to refugees as […]Continue readingWHO releases guidance on mental health care after trauma
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CMHA Ontario’s perspective on Health Care in Canada: What Makes Us Sick?
CMHA Ontario shares the concerns outlined in a new report by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) about the impacts of inequities and the social determinants of health on the health of Canadians. In its July 30, 2013 study about Canadian perspectives on the social determinants of health, the CMA found that poverty and other socio-economic factors […]Continue readingCMHA Ontario’s perspective on Health Care in Canada: What Makes Us Sick?
Bridgepoint officially opens
Bridgepoint Active Healthcare opened its new hospital which integrates patient care, research and teaching in multiple complex illnesses such as diabetes, brain injury, multiple sclerosis and stroke. The new facility has 464 beds, including 344 complex continuing care beds and 120 rehabilitation beds. Bridgepoint has extensive structures to support rehabilitation, including a large in-ground therapy pool and […]Continue readingBridgepoint officially opens
New report on drug policies in Vancouver
A new report on the drug state in Vancouver has shown that health-focused policies have been more effective than federal law enforcement measures at reducing illicit drug use and improving public health and safety. The Urban Health Research Initiative at the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS compiled 15 years of data in response to […]Continue readingNew report on drug policies in Vancouver
Aspiring Workforce study examines social enterprises and workplace know-how
The Aspiring Workforce study commissioned by the Mental Health Commission of Canada is divided into four sections. An examination of the first two sections was published in the last issue of Mental Health Notes.This edition of Mental Health Notes will explore the remaining sections: social business environmental scan and mental health know-how in the workplace. Social […]Continue readingAspiring Workforce study examines social enterprises and workplace know-how
Mental Health Commission of Canada releases national guidelines for family caregivers
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) has officially launched the National Guidelines for a Comprehensive Service System to Support Family. The guidelines are primarily aimed at service providers and policy makers, recommending many types of supports and services that caregivers need at different stages of their loved one’s illness and at different stages of their […]Continue readingMental Health Commission of Canada releases national guidelines for family caregivers
Research Report Round-up: How Ontario public health units are addressing child and youth mental health
Momentum is building to promote mental health in Ontario, including efforts to improve treatment options and services for children and youth with mental health concerns. The core business of public health covers illness prevention and health promotion. But the role of public health in mental health is not clear. To better understand this role, researchers at […]Continue readingResearch Report Round-up: How Ontario public health units are addressing child and youth mental health
Research Snapshot: Barriers to Mental Health Care for LGBT People
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people report poorer mental health outcomes than do heterosexual, non-trans people. But little is known about their experiences with mental health services. Ontario researchers interviewed eight mental health professionals from the Greater Toronto Area who had worked with sexual and gender minorities for at least two years. They were asked […]Continue readingResearch Snapshot: Barriers to Mental Health Care for LGBT People
Ombudsman urges government to expand oversight
With the release of his 2012-2013 annual report, Ontario Ombudsman André Marin called on the provincial government to expand oversight by making better use of his office’s services. The report consists of a review of nearly 20,000 cases received by the Ombudsman’s office. Marin notes that although the government welcomed most of his recommendations, there remain […]Continue readingOmbudsman urges government to expand oversight
New physician-implemented program in emergency departments
Local physicians are establishing a new program that partners emergency departments (EDs) in smaller community hospitals with larger hospitals. This program is demonstrating encouraging results. In the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant (HNHB) Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) physicians Dr. Bill Krizmanich and Dr. Jennifer Everson launched Critical Link in collaboration with chief medical leads at […]Continue readingNew physician-implemented program in emergency departments