The Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario is pleased to announce that Uppala Chandrasekera has joined the organization as Director of Policy and Planning. 
Uppala brings a wide perspective to mental health policy with her vast experience in anti-oppression and social justice work. As a social worker and long-time advocate for reducing health disparities and promoting human rights, Uppala has written extensively on the impact of the lived experience of discrimination on the well-being of marginalized individuals and communities.
“Mental health is important for all of us, regardless of socio-economic status, race, gender, or any other factors,” she said. “I am excited to work with CMHA Ontario to reduce mental health disparities and promote mental health for all.”
Uppala was most recently a project leader with the Systems Improvement through Service Collaboratives Initiative at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She has also been employed with CMHA Ontario as a Planning and Policy Analyst.
“We are delighted to have Uppala back on the CMHA Ontario team,” said Camille Quenneville, CEO of CMHA Ontario. “Her expertise and insights will play an important role as we continue our important work in making mental health possible for all.”