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PRESS RELEASE
November 23, 2004 The Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Initiative Response to The Senate Committee Report on Mental Health, Mental Illness and AddictionThe Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Initiative (CCMHI) is a consortium of 12 national associations working to improve the delivery of mental health services in Canada. The focus of the CCMHI’s efforts is on strengthening the capacity of the primary health care sector to prevent, diagnose and treat mental illness through interdisciplinary collaboration among health professionals, consumers and family members. Pursuant to the release earlier today of the Interim Report of the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology that focused on mental health, mental illness and addiction, the CCMHI has issued the following statement: “The Senate Committee has done an outstanding job documenting the major features of the mental health landscape in Canada and in other countries. More to the point, by framing its thoughtful analysis with stories of how the system serves- and sometimes fails to serve- consumers and their families, the Interim Report is unusually poignant and compelling. We share the Senate Committee’s view that distinct approaches are needed to meet the unique needs of such specific population groups as children and adolescents, aboriginal peoples, seniors and individuals with complex needs. We also acknowledge- as does the Senate Committee- the importance of patient/client-centred care models that are culturally appropriate and characterized by a strong focus on community-based delivery. Indeed, the collaborative mental health care implementation toolkits we are designing will assist providers of primary health care services to respond to these special needs. The Senate Committee also presciently observes that “primary health care reform is occurring in relative isolation from the reform of the mental health and addiction system.” We concur and note that the fragmentation and lack of integration of mental health services in primary health care settings is a significant barrier to improved care and treatment. With 85% of Canadians now receiving mental health treatment in primary care settings, we are focusing our work on strengthening the capabilities of front-line providers by encouraging and facilitating their participation in collaborative teams that include mental health experts. We applaud the Senate Committee for its leadership and ongoing commitment to improving mental health in Canada, and encourage all levels of government in Canada, the mental health community and other stakeholders to heed their positive and constructive proposals.” -30- For more information: Valerie Gust, Communications Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Initiative Tel.: 905-629-0900 ext 232 Fax: 905-629-0893 Please visit our website at www.ccmhi.ca |
