A new report explores how racialized populations in Ontario use emergency departments (ED) when it comes to mental health and/or addictions-related issues.
Developed by the Community of Interest (COI) for Racialized Populations and Mental Health and Addictions, the report was released on September 15, 2014 and highlights the presentations and main findings from the COI’s Think Tank held in spring 2013. It also includes briefs on promising practices in Ontario that focus on EDs and racialized populations. To read the full report, visit the EENet website.
The COI’s Think Tank brought together over 90 participants and delivered presentations that were focused on four themes:
- Factors that influence the use of EDs by racialized individuals with mental health and addictions issues include the social determinants of health (social factors that can affect a person’s health);
- The provincial health system;
- The relationship between hospitals and community organizations;
- The ED itself
Following the presentations, participants separated into groups according to themes to further discuss the issues.
CMHA Ontario is a member of the COI steering committee and is lead agency for the development of the new report.