Letter from the President & CEO: Research Annual Report 2002

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) will soon celebrate its fifth anniversary since the successful amalgamation of its four founding organizations. Since the merger, CAMH has focused on its four pillars: its academic teaching role and creating better understanding, prevention and care in the fields of mental health and addiction. Quality care includes not only treatment, but also education, prevention, health promotionand research. Under the leadership of Dr. Franco Vaccarino, our research at CAMH has been very successful.

Through the commitment, generosity and support of our scientists and partners, research in addiction and mental health at CAMH has thrived and continues to aspire for excellence. We collaborate successfully with local, national  and internationally recognized neuroscientists, clinical and social scientists and offer first-rate facilities, a range of professional training and a province-wide network of community program staff. Partners such as Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Foundation for Innovation and Ontario Innovation Trust play a key role in facilitating and supporting innovative research at CAMH. Our researchers take great pride in developing world-class research and clinical "bed-side" care.

Over the last fiscal year, researchers and scientists of CAMH obtained hundreds of grants, produced publications and presented at scientific conferences all over the world. In that year, our total extramural funding increased 13 per cent, to over $27 million. This achievement, along with increases over the past few years, has generated an enormous level of energy and progress within various areas of the organization.

With ongoing support and commitment from our partners, staff, researchers and scientists, our research program will continue to grow and excel in the future -- especially as we prepare to redevelop the Queen Street site. The proposed site redevelopment plans envision a facility that is a vibrant urban village, connected with various stakeholders inside and outside CAMH.

As we move forward, our foremost priorities are, as always, our commitment to excellence and client-centred care.

We look forward to continued support from our generous partners and to additional opportunities for forming new relationships.

Paul E. Garfinkel, MD, FRCPC
President and Chief Executive Officer

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