CAMH Annual Report 2004-05: Partnerships & Integration

CAMH Annual Report

At CAMH, our organization is like a delicately woven tapestry-many patterns are integrated, in the end, to create something that is both beautiful and functional. The health of our organization and of the clients we serve is rooted in the partnerships we build-and how we weave together the threads of these partnerships into the highest-quality working relationships. Our network of relationships, both internal and external, allows us to accomplish much of what we do.

Since our founding partners merged in 1998, we have worked on strengthening links within the many areas of our own organization, from research and clinical care to health promotion and education. The strength of these links is now beginning to show, as we continue to find ways to bring our research to life: using it to build new approaches to treatment, using it to develop leading-edge resource materials and using it as a basis for our public policy. The result is more innovative and seamless client-centred programs.

We work with community partners across the province to reduce stigma, provide education and support innovation in prevention and health promotion. We work with family doctors, home support services, community agencies and other health care providers to ensure that clients and their families can receive the appropriate care and help they need, in their own communities.

Finally, we work with other addiction and mental health service providers and organizations, in addition to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and other government agencies, in recognition of the importance of building a strong addiction and mental health system in Ontario. Over the past year, these relationships have been particularly rewarding, as we have seen our collaborations positively influence public policy and initiate broad system improvement.

We do not stand alone in the work that we do. The stories on the following pages reflect how a tapestry of partnerships and integration is helping us achieve our mission: to improve the lives of people affected by substance use and mental health problems and to promote the health of people in Ontario and beyond.

From the 2003 - 2006 CAMH Strategic Plan, From Discovery to Recovery: Transforming Lives and Promoting Health: We will build respectful, collaborative and effective partnerships. We recognize that we are but one participant within the health care system, and our collective work is strengthened through partnership. Successful partnerships are characterized by mutual respect, effective teamwork and open communication. Our partnerships are internal (with clients, their families, staff, physicians and volunteers) and external (with local, provincial, national and international agencies and communities).

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