Bringing a voice to public policy: CAMH Annual Report 2005

CAMH Annual Report

  

L - R: David Kelly, Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs; Gail Czukar, Executive Vice President, Policy and Planning, General Counsel, CAMH.

To say policy development at CAMH is all about teamwork is an understatement.

Today, our Public Policy team works across the organization -- with CAMH Clinical Programs, Research, Systems Planning and Development, and Education and Health Promotion -- to identify opportunities to influence government direction and policies in ways that will enhance the lives of people with substance use and mental health issues. As an organization with multiple mandates, we are in a strong position to influence public policy, and we see this as an important part of our work.

With the Ontario government's stated intention to transform the way health care is delivered, and with the City of Toronto preparing to introduce a drug strategy this year, in addition to imminent changes to the Ontario Liquor Licensing Act, it is an exciting time to be at the table. Much is at stake, and CAMH is privileged to be part of the process with a strong group of partners.

Specifically, CAMH has joined with the Canadian Mental Health Association - Ontario and the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs to help shape the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's transformation agenda. Our sector is committed to working together with the Ontario government to ensure that addiction and mental health are an integral part of the delivery of health care so that we will have a system that meets the needs of people and families living with mental health and substance use issues.

CAMH is also working with the City of Toronto on a comprehensive drug strategy based on four pillars: prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement. After a series of public and town hall meetings scheduled throughout the summer, the final report is expected to be tabled with city council before the end of 2005. During the process, CAMH has been very involved-contributing background papers and research and participating with other partners in the Toronto Drug Strategy Initiative workgroups-with the focus on promoting a balanced, integrated and comprehensive approach to addressing substance use issues in Toronto.

On another front, Ontario's liquor licensing laws are currently under review, with possible changes that will make alcohol more widely available. CAMH's Alcohol Policy and Research Group is working with other organizations, including the Ontario Public Health Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, to ensure the government is aware of the research that shows improved public health and safety if access to alcohol is controlled and centralized.

As a result of these and many other collaborative efforts, in such areas as smoking and problem gambling, advocacy for more supportive housing, health promotion and research advances, substance use and mental health issues are becoming more central to discussions about the health care system in Ontario.

David Kelly, Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs: In the past, our organizations have worked individually to some effect, but as a partnership of equals and a united front, we have clearly transformed the place of mental health and addiction in the health care system. It has been recognized as a number-one priority.

• Print