Statement from Dr. Chris Simpson - President, Canadian Medical Association - On the Mental Health Commission of Canada release of Mental Health Indicators

OTTAWA, Jan. 22, 2015 /CNW/ - The CMA congratulates the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) on the release of the first phase of Informing the Future: Mental Health Indicators for Canada. We are pleased to see the development of mental health indicators that are linked to the Mental Health Strategy for Canada, seeking to identify strengths and gaps in mental health in Canada. They will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issues in this area. The use of health indicators for mental health surveillance has been critically lacking and were mostly linked to use of mental health services and hospitalization as well as suicide rates.  As well, we appreciate the development of indicators that will support the identification of inequities in access to services for different sub-populations, such as seniors and immigrants.  The MHCC has given our federal government a good example of how an efficient national strategy can be implemented.  The CMA encourages the government to examine that same type of action that would lead to a national seniors strategy in the near future.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 80,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is helping physicians care for patients. The CMA will be the leader in engaging and serving physicians and be the national voice for the highest standards for health and health care. 

SOURCE Canadian Medical Association

Lucie Boileau, Senior Advisor Communications and Public Outreach, Canadian Medical Association, Email: [email protected], Tel: [phone] ext. 1266, Cell: 613-447-0866