CAMH Doctor Named to new Mental Health Commission

August 31, 2007 (Toronto) - The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is pleased that Dr. David Goldbloom, CAMH’s Senior Medical Advisor, Education and Public Affairs, has been appointed a Vice-Chair of the new Mental Health Commission of Canada Chaired by Senator Michael Kirby.

“I am extremely proud that CAMH’s own Dr. David Goldbloom has been given this key role in helping guide the work of the new Mental Health Commission of Canada,” said CAMH’s President and CEO Dr. Paul Garfinkel today. “I know he will make a significant contribution to the vitally important work that the Commission has before it. I congratulate Senator Michael Kirby on carving out such an important national mandate for his talented team to tackle.”

CAMH shares the Commission’s emphasis on combating the stigma that still surrounds mental illness and addictions, recognizing stigma as one of the biggest impediments to progress on overcoming these illnesses in our society today. “Stigma makes people ashamed of their illness and reluctant to seek help—fewer than half of people with depression are ever diagnosed with it, and fewer than half of that group receive proper treatment. That has got to change,” Dr. Garfinkel added. “It is time for fear and neglect to be replaced by understanding, help and recovery.”

Dr. Garfinkel also praised the Commission’s priorities of aboriginal health, knowledge exchange of best practice information, and improved access to treatment, housing and jobs as the most appropriate ones to focus on.

“We recognize that the social determinants of health — having a home, a job, a friend — are critical prerequisites to mental health and recovery, and the new Mental Health Commission of Canada does too. I am optimistic that today we in Canada have turned a significant corner in the journey to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Canadians,” said Dr. Garfinkel.

For more information or to arrange interviews please contact Kirk LeMessurier, Public Affairs, CAMH at (416) 595-6015.

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The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s leading addiction and mental health teaching hospital. Integrating clinical care, scientific research, education, policy development and health promotion, CAMH transforms the lives of people impacted by mental health and addiction issues.