News from the Centre: CrossCurrents Summer 2003

CrossCurrents

CAMH overcomes SARS challenge

CAMH, like all other Toronto-area hospitals, was affected by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. Although CAMH continues to have no cases of SARS, we have been operating under the restrictions of the province-wide directives since March 28. CAMH's programs and services are now fully operational, although we are still required to screen everyone entering our buildings. We would like to thank all staff, clients, family members, volunteers and community partners for their understanding, co-operation and ongoing commitment to CAMH.

Madness and Arts Festival may become a tradition

The Madness and Arts Festival, hosted by the Workman Theatre Project and CAMH, was a huge success. The festival, the first of its kind in the world, explored mental health and art through workshops, panel discussions, art exhibits, theatre acts, lectures, music and dance. The festival brought together 186 performers from nine countries, including many individuals who have experienced mental illness. Given the success of the event, Germany is considering hosting the festival next year.

CAMH launches new information centre

As an exciting new public education initiative, CAMH is set to open the McLaughlin Addiction and Mental Health Information Centre in late June. This expanded information resource will increase CAMH's ability to reach and support Ontarians in need of assistance, better enabling people to play an informed and active role in their own health care, prevent illness and seek the best care possible. We are committed to reaching out to those who are not currently connected to support networks, in particular those from diverse communities and those who find it difficult to access the mental health and addiction systems.

The centre will provide an enhanced toll-free information line, a telephone support line offering informal and/or peer support, Web-based information and a storefront information centre in the Queen Street West neighbourhood. For more details about the centre, contact Rena Scheffer at 416 979-4251.

Addiction and mental health conference

CAMH, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs and the Alcohol and Drug Recovery Association of Ontario, is hosting a major conference entitled 'Making Gains: Research, Recovery and Renewal in Mental Health and Addictions' between September 28 and October 1 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. For more information, visit www.makinggains.ca.

Christa Haanstra

 

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