And we need your help! #GETLOUD for increased mental health funding!
Over the last several years, governments at different levels across the country have made investments in mental health and addiction services, supports and programs for their respective communities. And there are examples all across the country of effective programs that promote mental health, prevent mental illness, and provide effective mental health and addiction services. Yet, in spite of this, evidence shows that what we are currently doing does not meet the needs of all Canadians. Programs and services are not as effective as they could be and there are still long wait times for people to get the care they urgently need.
It’s time for the federal government to create a Mental Health Transition and Innovation Fund. The fund would be used to better plan for and integrate mental health care in primary health care settings; establish acceptable wait times for community mental health services; or set standards for accessing evidence-informed services and supports that we know help people .
To effectively implement all mental health strategies and plans that have been adopted across Canada over the last two decades, all governments must:
- Increase the proportion of health spending devoted to mental health from 7% to 9%.
- Increase the proportion of social spending devoted to mental health by 2% from current levels.
How you can help
Email your local candidates and ask them what their funding commitment is to mental health, mental illness and addictions. Tell them we need sustainable mental health funding for all Canadians because all Canadians have a right to a range of evidence-based mental health services that are universal, comprehensive, accessible, portable and publicly administered, just like other medically-necessary services.
Visit our #GETLOUD for increased mental health funding campaign page to find out how you can make a difference this election.