People belonging to less advantaged groups tend to experience disparities in their health status because of issues related to unequal social power and discrimination. In terms of access to health care, significant inequities exist with regards to how people access and experience these services. For example, factors such as gender, race, sexual orientation, immigration status, income and education can influence a person's access to timely, appropriate and high-quality care.

Health equity is concerned with creating equal opportunities for good health for all and reducing avoidable and unjust differences in health among population groups.

Equitable access to health services that is based on need, fairness in the distribution of health care resources, provision of culturally competent care and focus on the most health-disadvantaged groups can significantly reduce disparities in health outcomes among population groups and enhance the well being of underprivileged populations.

CAMH believes in the principle of equity and respects the diversity of individuals and communities that we serve. The organizational commitment to health equity is reflected in our clinical work, community engagement and partnerships, research, human resources and leadership accountability. By recognizing the diversity of needs and resources, CAMH’s equity-based approach focuses on population groups with the greatest health needs and the least resources.

Contacts:
Dr. Kwame McKenzie, Clinical Director Health Equity (416) 535-8501, ext 7636
Branka Agic MHSc, Clinical Health Equity Consultant (416) 535-8501, ext 4526.

• A Framework for Creating Health Equity in the Toronto Central LHIN: 2009 Report from Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA)
• Unequal Access to Mental Health and Addictions Services Threatens Ontarians 
• Dr. Kwame McKenzie: Diversity and Mental Health
• Integrating the social determinants of health into care, research and education

Diversity at CAMH

Accessibility at CAMH: 

• The 2012-2015 Accessibility Plan (PDF, 84 Kb)
• 2010 Customer Service Accessibility Report (PDF, 8Kb)
• CAMH policy - Accessibility and Customer Service for People with Disabilities, November 2009 (PDF)
• Equity, Inclusion & Respect: A staff guide to ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities, November 2009 (PDF)

Immigrants, Refugee, Ethnocultural and Racialized Groups:

• Improving mental health services for immigrant, refugee, ethno-cultural and racialized groups: Issues and options for service improvement (PDF)
• Interpretation Services (IS)
• Multilingual resources  

LGBTTTQQI* Communities

• Rainbow Services
• Information for LGBTTTIQQ parents
• Substance Use: Issues to consider for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, two-spirit, intersex and queer communities
• LGBTTTQQI Agenda at CAMH: An Update - June 15, 2009 (PDF)
• Strategy to Build Relationships and Partnerships with LGBTTTQQI* Communities (PDF)

* Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual/Two-Spirited Queer/Questioning &, Intersex

ID#1301 -SP
Content updated: January 18, 2012 3:09 PM

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