On February 19, the Speech from the Throne: The Way Forward was given for the second session of the 40th parliament in Ontario. It focused on building a stronger economy and ensuring a fair society. Among its commitments was a promise to invest more in mental health services and fight stigma. The Throne speech also announced […]Continue readingThrone Speech good news for mental health
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Mental health in the workplace
As part of Bell’s Let’s Talk Day 2013, Canada AM produced a special on “Mental health issues in the workplace.” Kathy Jurgens, CMHA Ontario’s National Program Manager for Mental Health Works, was on hand that day to lend her support to the cause. To see the program, click on the Canada AM website. Ms. Jurgens was also interviewed […]Continue readingMental health in the workplace
“Let’s Talk” with the CEO, CMHA Ontario
Bell Let’s Talk Day 2013 was the third successful national conversation raising awareness about the stigma surrounding mental illness, as well as funds to support organizations helping those with mental health challenges. Millions of calls, texts, tweets and Facebook shares by Canadians raised $4,813,313 for mental health programs. Way to go Canada and thanks to […]Continue reading“Let’s Talk” with the CEO, CMHA Ontario
FDA warns sleeping pills may impair driving next morning (USA)
The most recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association(JAMA), contains a warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the use of the sleep medication zolpidem and its prolonged effects, even after eight hours, in some individuals. Data reviewed by the FDA suggests that after eight hours or more of taking zolpidem, […]Continue readingFDA warns sleeping pills may impair driving next morning (USA)
Insomnia and feelings of hopelessness can be deadly (USA)
In a small but interesting study out of the USA, researchers have found a link between insomniacs who experience despair over getting a good night’s sleep, and a higher risk for suicide. Research conducted at the Georgia Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior at Georgia Regents University affirms the previously established link between insomnia, nightmares and […]Continue readingInsomnia and feelings of hopelessness can be deadly (USA)
Rainbow Health Ontario looking for 2014 conference abstracts
Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO) invites interested individuals to submit proposals for the 2014 RHO conference, “Creating Change Together.” The conference will take place in Toronto from February 5 to 7, 2014. The conference will address the following key issues: How healthy are our diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities? What policies and programs […]Continue readingRainbow Health Ontario looking for 2014 conference abstracts
SPARK research to practice in 2013
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is now accepting applications for its second SPARK Training Institute workshop, to be held July 10 to 11, 2013 in Victoria, British Columbia. Applications are welcome from Canadians working or volunteering in communities, health facilities, mental health, substance use or addictions programmes, Aboriginal organizations, academia, non-profit or policy […]Continue readingSPARK research to practice in 2013
National Network for Mental Health moving on strategic plan
The National Network for Mental Health (NNMH) is a national consumer-driven organization that promotes social justice and human rights through projected-based initiatives, such as the employment initiative BIULT Network. One hundred per cent of all of the board members, staff and individual voting members are mental health consumers and/or survivors. NNMH has recently begun implementation of […]Continue readingNational Network for Mental Health moving on strategic plan
Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act
On February 8, 2013, the Federal Justice Minister Robert Nicholson tabled a new bill, Bill C-54: An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the National Defence Act (mental disorder); the short-title of the bill is the Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act. In a press release, Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated that this proposed legislation is a part […]Continue readingNot Criminally Responsible Reform Act
Youth mentoring yields positive mental health
The Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Mentoring Study conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) affirms the positive impact of mentoring on young lives. Girls and boys with a mentor were significantly more likely to be confident in their academic abilities and less likely to display behavioural problems. The five-year study tracked the […]Continue readingYouth mentoring yields positive mental health