News from CAMH: CrossCurrents Autumn 2004

CrossCurrents

CAMH receives $16 million to continue redevelopment
The Honourable George Smitherman, Ontario's minister of health and long-term care, visited CAMH on June 24 to announce a $16-million planning and design grant for the first phase of the redevelopment of the Queen Street site. This is a significant milestone for CAMH's redevelopment. The grant will allow CAMH to develop detailed working drawings and specifications for phase 1, which includes a core bed building for people in the most critical stages of their illness who require specialized intensive care; the alternate milieu, a homelike environment for clients past the acute phase of their illness but still requiring inpatient care and support to make a successful transition to the community; and an administrative building. CAMH still requires approval of its functional program and funding for the redevelopment project. For more information, visit www.camh.net or send us an e-mail at redevelopment_feedback@camh.net.

Jean Simpson Art Studio - a space for our artists to create
June 30 marked the official opening of the Jean Simpson Studio at CAMH. Named after Jean Simpson, CAMH's former chief operating officer, the studio gives CAMH artists the opportunity to embark on more ambitious works in a supportive, safe, artist-managed environment. Despite being extremely gifted, artists often face challenges that include lack of working space and materials. CAMH is thrilled to be able to provide the necessary space and resources for our artists. For more information, please contact Lisa Brown at 416 535-8501, ext. 1905, or Cheryl Saracini at ext. 3164.

New privacy legislation
The Personal Health Information Protection Act will come into effect November 1. This Act governs the collection, use, disclosure, retention and destruction of and access to personal health information and will apply to the entire health sector of Ontario. CAMH has created a Privacy Task Force with representation from many groups across CAMH to identify issues and create a compliance strategy. Any changes resulting from compliance with this Act will be communicated accordingly.

CAMH publications awarded Curriculum Services Canada's Seal of Recommendation
Two CAMH resources, Can I Catch It Like a Cold? and Antisocial and Violent Youth: Volume II, were recently awarded Curriculum Services Canada's Seal of Recommendation and are now recommended as a reference for teachers and other school professionals who work with children and youth. These new titles join the previously endorsed CAMH resources, Educating Students about Substance Use and Mental Health, Curriculum Resource and Talking About Mental Illness. Such endorsements are important to CAMH's ability to continue providing the educational system with credible resources and to help deliver effective prevention and health promotion curriculum to a diverse range of children and youth in Ontario and across Canada. For more information or to order any of the above publications, please contact Marketing and Sales Services in Toronto at 416 595-6059 or toll-free in North America at 1 800 661-1111.

Christa Haanstra