CAMH Reacts to Federal Budget Research Announcement

Feb. 27, 2008 (Toronto) - The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) welcomes the federal government’s commitment of $110 million for research in mental health and homelessness. The commitment was made in yesterday’s federal budget. The research will be facilitated by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and will support research projects in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montréal and Moncton.

“This is good news for mental health research, and will help improve services for some of the most marginalized Canadians,” said Dr. Paul Garfinkel, President and CEO of CAMH. “In last year’s budget, the federal government established the Mental Health Commission of Canada. This year’s investment in mental health research represents a tangible next step toward improved mental health care for Canadians.”

CAMH supports the goals of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and is working to assist the Commission in its mandate to develop a national mental health plan, improve opportunities for knowledge transfer and address the stigma that prevents many Canadians from seeking and getting the treatment they deserve.

“This new investment recognizes that homelessness and mental illness is a complex problem,” said Dr. Garfinkel today. “We know that increased access to supportive housing is a critical need for many people with mental health and addictions problems. Research will help identify the best ways for homeless people to secure sustainable housing, and gain access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, where needed.”

For more information contact Michael Torres, CAMH Media Coordinator at (416) 595-6015 or media@camh.net.

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The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, as well as one of the world's leading research centres in the area of addiction and mental health. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development, prevention and health promotion to transform the lives of people affected by mental health and addiction issues.

CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre.