Ontario's Specialty Mental Health Hospitals Support Provincial Budget's Mental Health and Addictions Investment

TORONTO, April 24, 2015 /CNW/ - Ontario's four specialty mental health hospitals support the Provincial government's commitment to invest in the right care for individuals suffering from mental health and addictions.  Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores), Royal Ottawa Health Care Group (The Royal) and Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care (Waypoint), have been working in collaboration with government to implement the initiatives outlined in the Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Strategy.

"We know that access to housing is ‎important to recovery in mental illness," said Dr. Catherine Zahn, CAMH. "The government's commitment to investments in supportive housing will improve access to quality mental health care and supports." 

The Provincial Budget reconfirmed the government's commitment to the next phase of the Strategy and includes investing $138 million through LHINs over three years starting in 2014–15 for community organizations across Ontario to improve mental health and addictions services.

"We are pleased to see a continued emphasis on transitional aged youth. This emphasis is consistent with ongoing investments across the province for this population. We are encouraged by the ongoing financial commitment to facilitate improved transitions and greater health outcomes for youth," said Karim Mamdani, President and CEO, Ontario Shores.

With about 30 per cent of Ontarians experiencing a mental health and/or substance abuse challenge at some point in their lives, it is imperative that the mental health care system is accessible, patient-centred and coordinated as individuals transition to different services and supports.

"We welcome new investment in mental health and addictions treatment that enables greater access to specialized mental health care and supports recovery," stated George Weber, President and CEO, The Royal.

"The government's commitment reinforces our efforts to decrease stigma and advocate for this vulnerable population," noted Carol Lambie, Waypoint President and CEO.  "We are pleased to be working together with government on better outcomes, measuring our work and being innovative in our efforts to improve treatment as we walk with our patients and clients on their journey."

The four specialty mental health hospitals provide Ontarians with a range of inpatient and outpatient specialized assessment and treatment services for people living with complex mental illness.  Collectively, they provide leading clinical and recovery-based care, drive mental health innovation, conduct ground-breaking research, develop and deliver effective health promotion and education and provide system leadership and support.

SOURCE Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences

Kate Richards, CAMH Media Relations, 416.535.8501 ext. 36015 or [email protected]; Andrea Marshall, Manager, Communications and Public Affairs, Ontario Shores, 905.430.4055 ext. 6581 or [email protected]; Nicole Loreto, Vice-President, Communications and Partnerships, The Royal, 613.722.6521 ext. 6448 or [email protected]; Laurene Hilderley, Director of Communications and Fund Development, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, 705.549.3181 ext. 2214 or [email protected].