In 2013, I had the honor of speaking at a youth mental health summit for the Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) Halton-Region Branch. I also facilitated an interactive team building event (drumming) with the staff during Mental Health Week (the first week in May). Through working with this incredible organization, I learned so much about the state of mental health in Canada, the philosophy of the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the different branches.
Here are the facts: 20% of Canadians will confront a mental illness in their lifetime, 8% will battle depression, and 1% will experience "manic depression" (bipolar disorder). The CMHA says that "The economic cost of mental illnesses in Canada for the health care system was estimated to be at least $7.9 billion in 1998 - $4.7 billion in care, and $3.2 billion in disability and early death." In addition, "Mental illness is increasingly threatening the lives of our children; with Canada's youth suicide rate the third highest in the industrialized world."
Known as organization that walks it's talk, the Canadian Mental Health Association supports recovery and resiliency through advocacy, education, research, and service. The CMHA was founded in 1918 and is one of the oldest charities in Canada. On average, the CMHA serves 100,000 people in 120 communities throughout Canada with 10,000 dedicated volunteers.
Branches of the CMHA are located throughout the country, in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Ontario, Winnipeg, BC, Peel, Hamilton, Kitchener, Vancouver, Niagra, Barrie, Durham, London, Sudbury, Kelowna, and York Region. Each branch is its own unique organization, with it's own Board of Directors, and systems for funding. Since every community has unique needs, each branch provides services that are unique to the particular community they serve.
The Canadian Mental Health Association is a truly progressive organization. I am excited to see the strides forward that the CMHA takes in helping people who struggle with mental illness and ending stigma. Canada is my neighbor. I care about the well-being of my neighbor.
Here are the facts: 20% of Canadians will confront a mental illness in their lifetime, 8% will battle depression, and 1% will experience "manic depression" (bipolar disorder). The CMHA says that "The economic cost of mental illnesses in Canada for the health care system was estimated to be at least $7.9 billion in 1998 - $4.7 billion in care, and $3.2 billion in disability and early death." In addition, "Mental illness is increasingly threatening the lives of our children; with Canada's youth suicide rate the third highest in the industrialized world."
Known as organization that walks it's talk, the Canadian Mental Health Association supports recovery and resiliency through advocacy, education, research, and service. The CMHA was founded in 1918 and is one of the oldest charities in Canada. On average, the CMHA serves 100,000 people in 120 communities throughout Canada with 10,000 dedicated volunteers.
Branches of the CMHA are located throughout the country, in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Ontario, Winnipeg, BC, Peel, Hamilton, Kitchener, Vancouver, Niagra, Barrie, Durham, London, Sudbury, Kelowna, and York Region. Each branch is its own unique organization, with it's own Board of Directors, and systems for funding. Since every community has unique needs, each branch provides services that are unique to the particular community they serve.
The Canadian Mental Health Association is a truly progressive organization. I am excited to see the strides forward that the CMHA takes in helping people who struggle with mental illness and ending stigma. Canada is my neighbor. I care about the well-being of my neighbor.
About the Author:
Mike Veny is a top behavioral health speaker. For more information, visit TransformingStigma.Com. See what others are saying here...
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