Government Invests $80 million in Mental Health and Addiction Services and Introduces a Comprehensive Mental Health and Addiction Strategy

TORONTO, March 27, 2008 – The provincial mental health and addiction Partnership congratulates the Ontario government for its ongoing and new commitments to the many Ontarians facing mental health and addiction issues.

The Partnership - Addictions Ontario, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Ontario Association of Patient Councils (OAPC), Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs (OFCMHAP) and Ontario Peer Development Initiative (OPDI) are encouraged by the government’s investments and its on-going commitment to transform the mental health and addiction system in Ontario.

“The government of Ontario continues to understand the need for new investments in this crucial area of health care, said Theresa Claxton of the Ontario Association of Patient Councils. These dollars will make a difference for some of the most vulnerable people in Ontario.”

The sector is pleased at the commitment to invest $80 million over three years to improve mental health and addiction services, including funding to increase treatment for eating disorder services and early intervention for psychosis and to build a comprehensive mental health and addiction strategy for the province. We look forward to working with the government on both of these strategies. The government’s investment in mental health and addiction services, along with the strengthening of other social determinants of health, will go a long way to supporting vulnerable people in Ontario.

Media Contacts:

David Kelly, Executive Director OFCMHAP, (416) 490-8900, ext. 22
Theresa Claxton, Chair, OAPC, (416) 633-9420 ext. 6967
Michael Torres, Media Relations, CAMH, (416) 595-6015

For More Information:

Addictions Ontario (AO) www.addictionsontario.ca
Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario (CMHA ON) www.ontario.cmha.ca
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) media@camh.net
Ontario Association of Patient Councils (OAPC) (416) 633-9420 x 6967
Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs (OFCMHAP) www.ofcmhap.on.ca
Ontario Peer Development Initiative (OPDI) www.opdi.org

The provincial mental health and addiction partnership was developed in 2004, and is comprised of six organizations that include: Addictions Ontario, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Ontario Association of Patient Councils (OAPC), Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs (OFCMHAP) and Ontario Peer Development Initiative (OPDI). Together, they are committed to raising the profile of mental illness and addictions in Ontario, and to supporting the needs of those living with mental health and addictions problems, their families, and their communities.