(Thursday, April 23, 2015) – Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario and Addictions and Mental Health Ontario welcome the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to the community mental health and addictions (MH&A) sector as expressed today in the 2015 budget. Ontario’s Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy includes $138 million over three years to help community service agencies like our member organizations increase access to services such as peer support groups, treatment programs, and crisis and early intervention initiatives.
“The good news is that support continues for Ontario’s Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy and the work of the Provincial Leadership Advisory Council,” said Gail Czukar, CEO Addictions and Mental Health Ontario. “The Council will continue its mandate by providing advice on the strategy’s investments, promote collaboration across sectors and report annually on the government’s progress in the sector.”
The 2015 Ontario budget also commits $16 million to create 1,000 more supportive housing spaces over the next three years as part of the Poverty Reduction Strategy. But that’s not enough.
“Across the mental health and addictions sector, there is universal acknowledgement that stable housing is a vital component to an individual’s recovery, and we will press the government for increased investment,” said Camille Quenneville, CEO of Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario. “When you examine Toronto alone, 9,000 people are waiting for supportive housing.”
Key Mental Health Facts:
- In any given year, one in five Canadians will experience a mental health and/or addiction issue.
- Each year, more than half a million children, youth and adults receive support and treatment from community mental health and addictions organizations in Ontario.
- The economic cost of mental health to Canada is at least $50 billion per year, which represents 2.8% of Canada’s 2011 gross domestic product.
About CMHA Ontario:
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) works toward a single mission: to make mental health possible for all. The vision of CMHA Ontario is a society that believes mental health is the key to well-being. CMHA Ontario works closely with 31 local branches in communities across the province to ensure the quality delivery of services to approximately 50,000 individuals each year in the areas of mental health, addictions, dual diagnosis and concurrent disorders. Through policy analysis and implementation, agenda setting, research, evaluation and knowledge exchange, we work to improve the lives of people with mental health and addictions conditions and their families.
About AMHO:
Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) is a provincial, not-for-profit charity, representing service providers from across the mental health and addictions sector in Ontario. AMHO is widely recognized as the authoritative voice of mental health and addictions issues in Ontario and is dedicated to advancing the quality of care and services accessible to individuals. Our goal is to ensure that all Ontarians can access the services and supports they need to address substance misuse and mental health issues, fostering dignity and accountability to those it serves. We proudly support and encourage over 280 mental health and addiction service and support agencies across Ontario in giving hope and transforming lives with those living with mental health and addiction issues. The services offered by these agencies play a vital role in the health of all Ontarians.
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Contact information:
Joe Kim
Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario
Phone: 416-977-5580 ext. 4141
Email: jkim@ontario.cmha.ca
