CMHA Niagara and more than 65 other organizations committed to mental health services and mental wellness promotion have created the Niagara Mental Health and Addictions Charter, a first for the region and possibly for Ontario. The charter outlines best approaches to accessing mental health and addictions services and focuses on mental wellness promotion, mental illness prevention and addictions services. The goal is to help build an environment where Niagara residents can achieve and maintain optimal mental health and wellbeing.
The idea of a charter came from Healthy Living Niagara with a policy goal to develop a foundation for mental health and addictions services in the region and to adopt an inclusive and holistic approach for residents of all ages. The charter includes several principles for member agencies to keep in mind when delivering mental health services to clients.
The charter has received local media attention from the Niagara Falls Review and CKTB News. George Kurzawa, Executive Director, CMHA Niagara spoke to Newstalk 610 CKTB News about the charter and how it has brought together mental health agencies from across Niagara to pledge their commitment to promote mental health and addictions services in the region.
Ellis Katsoff, CEO, Pathstone Mental Health, one of the organizations involved in creating the charter, also spoke on Newstalk 610 CKTB News on the Larry Fedoruk Show to speak about the charter and its commitment to individuals of all ages who seek mental health services.