| |
VOLUME 60: January 2008 |
online at www.cmha.bc.ca/enews/enewsjan08.htm
| Welcome
to MIND MATTERS,
an
electronic newsletter produced by the Canadian Mental Health Association's
BC Division office (CMHA) and delivered monthly to your mailbox.
In MIND MATTERS, we provide new resources and programs offered
by CMHA BC Division, 20 CMHA branches across BC and news from
partner agencies and like-minded organizations committed to the
mental health of British Columbians. |
|
MIND
MATTERS
is completely free and your e-mail address is not shared with
any third party nor is it used for other purposes other than
delivering the e-newsletter. If you would like to know more
about our efforts to ensure your privacy is maintained, please
contact our office. Mind Matters wouldn't be possible without
support from donors and the help of gaming revenue from the
Province of British Columbia.
To subscribe/unsubscribe, visit www.cmha.bc.ca. |
CMHA
News
Bottom
Line Conference on Mental Illness in the Workplace - Last Day to Save
$70!
Director of Public Policy and Research Position at CMHA
BC
Fresh New Look for HereToHelp.bc.ca
CMHA Salmon Arm Branch Launches Housing Study
New Office for CMHA National
CMHA Simon Fraser Branch is Moving
CMHA in Manitoba Promotes Good Mental Health with Acts
of Kindness
North Shore Health Lecture Series
Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Special Events
Featured
Program:
Bottom
Line Conference Brings Together Workplace Leaders in Mental Health
Canadian
Research
Suicide Now Second-Leading Cause of Preventable Death
in BC Kids
Work Stress Leads to Increased Absenteeism and Disability
Depression
Taking Its Toll in the Workplace
Collective Kitchens Offer Social Support to Members
CMHA
Mailbox:
Designing Well
Research
From Around the World
Depressed Heart Attack Patients
at Higher Risk of Death
Long-Term Anxiety Increases Heart Attack Risk
Violent Temper Tantrums Put Children at Risk of Depression
Addressing Overall Health Within Mental Health Services
Found Effective
New
Programs and Resources
Correctional Services Pilots
National Mental Health Training and Screening
Events Calendar for Family Members and Supporters in BC
Youth Participants Design Ad Campaign to Promote Mental
Health
Guides to Support Families Affected by Concurrent Disorders
Mental Health First Aid Guidelines from Australia
Preventing Violence Before it Occurs
Online Guide to Evidence-Based Treatment and Prevention
Fact Sheets on Supportive Housing and Sexual Orientation
in Home Care
Fall/Winter Issue of Network Magazine on Women's Health
Now Online
UNBC
Offers Unique Masters on Return-to-Work Strategies
Announcements
Mental Health Commission Releases
Report on Stakeholder Consultations
Landmark Ontario Human Rights Decision on Mental Health
Disability Accommodation
Government Responds to Suicide Crisis in Hazelton
More Funding for Housing for People with Mental Illness
and Addiction in Victoria
Video Contest for BC Youth: What Makes You Strong
Courage to Come Back Awards Accepting Nominations
Central Fraser Valley Telecare Crisis Line Seeks Volunteers
Now Who's Talking Recovery Theatre Seeks Behind-the-Scenes
Volunteers
Mental Health Commission of Canada's Seeks Advice on Knowledge
Exchange
U of C Stress Studies Receives $5M in Government Grants
Advocacy Campaign to Save the Canadian Health Network
Researchers Seeking Participants for Survey on Problem
Drinking
Monitoring Mood in Bipolar Disorder: '4M' Study Seeks
Participants
Wellness Strategies Study Seeks Men with Bipolar Disorder
Public
Education Events
Give Your Brain Boost! January
is Alzheimer's Awareness Month
Eating Disorder Awareness Week Celebrates Natural Body
Sizes
Movie Mondays in Victoria
Family Workshops for Kids with Anxiety Disorders in Burnaby
and Victoria
Frames of Mind Film Screening - Crazy Love
MDA of BC Education Evening - Genetic and Environmental
Contributors to Mood Disorders
The Lobotomist Documentary on PBS
Depression... Living and Winning
Courses
and Workshops
Mental Health Works Workplace Workshops
Post-Conference Mental Health Works Workshops
Conferences
Moving Upstream: Evidence for
Early Intervention in Mental Health
Psychopharmacology Conference
Bottom Line Conference on Mental Illness in the Workplace
Aboriginal Health Forum in Calgary, AB
Forensic Psychiatry Conference on Mental Health and the
Justice System
CMHA News
Bottom
Line Conference on Mental Illness in the Workplace - Last Day to Save
$70! - February 20 [back to top]
With mental health issues emerging as the leading cause of long-term
disability - as well as a key factor in productivity, retention and
satisfaction - developing and implementing clear strategies to prevent
and address mental health issues in the workplace is essential for every
workplace. CMHA BC Division
invites workplace leaders to join us for the 6th Annual Bottom Line
Conference - Looking for Leaders: Everyone Can Make a Difference - on
leadership in achieving workplace mental health through innovative and
best practices. Keynote speakers include Drs. Joti Samra, Merv Gilbert
and Dan Bilsker (authors of the Antidepressant Skills at Work self-care
guide), Charmaine Crooks (five-time Olympian, Olympic silver medallist),
and Jamie Graham (Former Chief, Vancouver Police Department). Conference
fee: $425; Early Bird: $350 (ends Jan. 15);
Special Offer: Buy 6, get 7th free. 7:30am to 4:30pm at the Vancouver
Convention and Exhibition Centre, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver. Learn
more and register at www.bottomlineconference.ca.
>> Don’t miss our
post-conference Mental Health Works Workshops on February
21 for practical knowledge and skills for addressing mental illness
in the workplace. Learn more and register at www.bottomlineconference.ca.
Director
of Public Policy and Research Position at CMHA BC -
January 25 Deadline [back to top]
CMHA BC Division is looking for a mature, reliable and positive
individual to join the CMHA family as Director of Public Policy and
Community-based Research. Reporting to the Executive Director, the successful
candidate will be responsible to bring a focus and leadership to mental
health issues based on the conceptual model outlined in the Framework
for Support. Applications are due Jan. 25, 2008.
See the job
posting for details.
Fresh
New Look for HereToHelp.bc.ca [back to top]
After 3 years and feedback from site users, HereToHelp.bc.ca
has moved to a cleaner, more dynamic platform. All the quality mental
health and substance use resources are still there plus new interactive
features like a login for commenting on stories or posting on the message
board and RSS feeds. HereToHelp.bc.ca is developed and maintained by
a group of 7 leading provincial mental health and addictions non-profits
agencies working together as the BC Partners for Mental Health Information,
of which CMHA BC Division
is proud to be a member. The group is funded by the Provincial Health
Services Authority. Stay tuned for more interactive pieces being added
over the next year!
CMHA
Salmon Arm Branch Launches Housing Study [back to top]
CMHA Salmon Arm Branch has received $13,674 in provincial funding to
study the need for mental health housing in Revelstoke. The 4-month
study will be conducted by Alice Sundberg, former executive director
of the British Columbia Non-Profit Housing Association. According to
CMHA Salmon Arm Branch's Executive Director, Dawn Dunlop-Pugh, housing
is a significant issue in Revelstoke and has significant impacts on
people with mental illness. Read the story, "Study to assess housing
needs of the mentally ill," at www.bclocalnews.com.
>> Learn more about homelessness
in small BC communities with resources from CMHA BC Division's
Income/Homeless Outreach Project at www.cmha.bc.ca.
New
Office for CMHA National [back to top]
To contact them at their new location, send mail to Canadian
Mental Health Association National Office, Phenix Professional Building,
595 Montreal Road, Suite 303, Ottawa, ON, K1K 4L2, call (613) 745-7750
or fax (613) 745-5522.
CMHA
Simon Fraser Branch is Moving [back to top]
On January 11, CMHA
Simon Fraser Branch will be moving its office to 609 Fourth Avenue,
New Westminster, BC, V3M 1S3. Please note they will not have phone,
fax or email access from January 11-13.
CMHA
in Manitoba Promotes Good Mental Health with Acts of Kindness
[back to top]
Performing a random act of kindness restores people's faith in humanity
and promotes good mental health by boosting community spirit and positive
self-regard. That is why CMHA
Manitoba Central Region is once again holding their "pay-kindness-forward
campaign" during Mental Health Week in May. Each participant is
asked to perform three acts of kindness such as cutting grass for an
elderly neighbour. The program has been a huge success in the past and
other branches have expressed a strong interest in adopting it. Several
CMHA branches in BC have also used the 'random acts of kindness' strategy
with sucess during Mental Health Week. For more suggestions see "Being
kind to Someone can give you faith in humanity, improve your mental
health," at ca.news.yahoo.com.
>> Mental Health Week
2008 is May 5-11. The theme is Mental Health: Make it your business.
The 2008 focus will demonstrate how employers can reduce stress in their
workplace. Stay tuned to www.cmha.bc.ca
for details.
North
Shore Health Lecture Series [back to top]
The weekly Health Lecture Series organized by CMHA
North and West Vancouver Branch meets on the 2nd floor of the John
Braithwaite Community Centre at 145 West 1st Street in North Vancouver
(between Chesterfield and Lonsdale Avenue). All lectures start at 7pm.
Admission by donation. For more information please phone 604-987-6959
or visit www.northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca.
January 16 - Discover Your Strengths &
Change Your Life
January 23 - Mindfulness and Managing Your
Emotions
January 30 - Anxiety Awareness and Treatment-Based
Solutions
Vancouver/Burnaby
Branch Special Events [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch's
Recreation Services Program provides opportunities for adults who are
living with mental illness to participate in recreation and experience
the benefits of leisure. The following special events take place at
or depart from the Vancouver Recreation Office at 175 West Broadway.
Please call 604-872-3148 to register for two of the following events.
Please note that residents of Vancouver will be given priority for registration.
January 18 - Stanley Park Eco Nature Walk
January 21 - Jiro Sushi Restaurant
January 25 - Grouse Mountain Winter Fun
Day
January 28 - Make Your Own Sundae
January 30 - Holiday Photo Scrapbooking
|
Featured CMHA Program:
Bottom
Line Conference Brings Together Workplace Leaders in Mental
Health
|
|
|
With
mental health issues emerging as the leading cause
of long-term disability - as well as a key factor
in productivity, retention and satisfaction -
developing and implementing clear strategies to
prevent and address mental health issues is essential
for every workplace.
That's why the 6th annual Bottom Line Conference
on mental illness in the workplace is bringing
together BC's business, public service and research
leaders to share their insights and successes
with workplace leaders
|
who are interested in the benefits of preventing and addressing
mental health issues in their organization.
CMHA BC Division's Bottom Line Conference is an annual
event to create awareness of the impact of mental illness
in the workplace - estimated to cost Canada's economy
$14.4 billion - and find strategies and solutions that
benefit both employers and employees. The 2008 conference
is taking plave on Wednesday, February 20 at the Vancouver
Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The
value of such an event has never been more apparent. A
recent survey by Ipsos Reid revealed that 1 in 6 Canadian
managers and employees have been diagnosed with depression.
Yet, only 18% of managers said they had received training
to help them identify and deal with employees who show
signs of depression.
To
help address this deficit, the full-day conference will
include panel discussion on dealing with mood problems,
such as depression, in the workplace with Drs. Joti Samra,
Merv Gilbert and Dan Bilsker (authors of the Antidepressant
Skills at Work self-care guide). The program also
includes keynote speakers Charmaine Crooks (five-time
Olympian, Olympic silver medallist) and Jamie Graham (Former
Chief, Vancouver Police Department). Successful programs
and initiatives addressing corporate culture, prevention,
early intervention and return-to-work strategies will
be discussed with representatives from Provincial Health
Services Authority, the District of North Vancouver, BC
Federation of Labour, Coast Capital Savings, Compensation
Employees Union.
In
addition to the conference, a series of post-conference
training workshops will be offered on February 21 to help
workplace managers, supervisors, union representatives,
occupational health professionals and human resource professionals
gain role-specific skills for effectively addressing mental
health issues in the workplace.
Learn
more and register for the 2008 Bottom Line Conference
on Feb. 20 and Post-Conference Workshops on Feb. 21 at
www.bottomlineconference.ca.
|
Canadian Research
Suicide Now Second-Leading Cause
of Preventable Death in BC Kids [back to top]
For the first time, suicide is reported as the second-leading cause
of death among young people in BC. The finding comes from a review of
244 child deaths between 2003 and 2006 conducted by the Child Death
Review Unit of the BC Coroner's Service. Motor vehicle accidents still
account for most preventable deaths (30%) while suicide was second.
Of children who had died by suicide, 80% gave some indication, usually
to a peer, of their intent to die by suicide. It was also found that
young aboriginal people were over-represented among cases of sudden
and unexpected death, with alcohol being a risk factor in the majority
of fatal injuries involving Aboriginal children. The report made 10
recommendations including improved suicide-prevention strategies, licensing
off-road vehicles, tighter rules on motorcycle licensing and mandatory
trigger locks on firearms at the time of sale. See "Suicide is
the second leading cause of preventable children's deaths in B.C.,"
at www.canada.com.
The full report is available at www.pssg.gov.bc.ca.
Work Stress Leads to Increased Absenteeism
and Disability [back to top]
Work stress is seriously affecting employees' performances, leading
to a decrease in productivity, more missed days from work and increased
absenteeism, according to the new Statistics Canada report, Perspectives
on Labour and Income. The findings, taken from the 2002 Canadian
Community Health Survey, revealed that male employees who had "high-strain"
jobs were 1.7 times more likely than those with low-strain jobs to report
that they had performed less work due to a long-term health condition
and 1.5 times more likely to report having taken at least one disability
day in the two weeks prior to participating in the survey. The amount
of strain measured took into account psychological effect, decision-making
ability and pace of work. Physical exertion and insecurity about one's
job also led to stressful workplace conditions. According to the report,
"a supportive environment both at and away from work may help prevent
reduced work activities by mitigating the effects of work-related stress."
See "Work stress leads to increased absenteeism, disability: StatsCan,"
at www.cbc.ca.
>>
take the lead on improving mental health in your workplace -
register now for the Bottom Line Conference on Mental Illness in the
Workplace on Feb. 20, 2008. Learn more
and register at www.bottomlineconference.ca.
Depression
Taking Its Toll in the Workplace [back to top]
It's the world's leading cause of disability. By 2020, according to
the World Health Organization, depression will be second only to heart
disease as a cause of disease burden - years lost through death and
years lived with disability. According to a 2002 WHO estimate, depression
afflicts 154 million people worldwide. At any given time, five per cent
of workers in Canada are clinically depressed. About 16 per cent of
North Americans will suffer depression in their lifetimes, and half
of those will be severely disabled by it. Read more of latest numbers
on depression and disability in the Vancouver Sun article,
"Depression taking its toll in the workplace," at www.canada.com.
Collective
Kitchens Offer Social Support to Members [back to top]
A qualitative study published recently in the Canadian Journal of
Community Mental Health finds that collective kitchens are a form
of social support for members. Collective kitchens are community-based
cooking programs in which small groups of people cook in bulk. The study
was conducted in 2000 with 21 groups in collective kitchen partnerships
in Saskatoon, Toronto and Montreal. People with mental illness were
one of the main groups using the collective kitchens in the study. Forming
friendships was the primary benefit of participation, followed by decreased
isolation and increased community involvement. Mental health participants
noted that involvement in a collective kitchen helped them integrate
into the community and gave them a greater desire to become more involved
in community life. See "Exploring Social Support through Collective
Kitchen Participation in Three Canadian Cities," available at www.metapress.com.
| CMHA Success Story:
Designing Well
Grace
was referred to CMHA's Self-Employment Program with a background
in graphic design work but with an erratic work history as
she had struggled over the years with her mental illness and
maintaining a work / wellness balance.
Grace
had already gone out on her own as a graphic designer, and
even though her health was variable, she was somewhat successful
in her bid to be self-employed. However, she was now aware
of the changing market demands and the need to upgrade and
enhance her skill set to remain competitive.
Working
with CMHA, Grace completed her business feasibility study
and embarked upon training to upgrade her skills in late 2004
and early 2005. In May 2005, Grace officially re-launched
her business. A year later, she’s had a very successful
first 12 months. The business has grown and developed and
Grace has clients she works with on a regular basis, has a
steady income, and continues to market her services. Despite
a challenging year personally, Grace is well on her way to
becoming a successful and healthy self-employed graphic and
web designer.
CMHA
Vancouver/Burnaby Branch's Self-Employment Program participant
Do
you have a story to share about a CMHA branch, program or
resource? Email Mind Matters at mindmatters@cmha.bc.ca.
|
Research from around the World
Depressed Heart Attack Patients at Higher Risk
of Death [back to top]
People who suffer a heart attack and become depressed have a much
higher risk of dying than non-depressed heart attack survivors, suggests
new research. The study, presented at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology
annual meeting tracked, for six years, 360 heart attack patients who
had become depressed. It found that those people who remained depressed
in the first six months of recovery were twice as likely to die as
patients who recovered from their depression. Researcher Alexander
Glassman, professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University, College
of Physicians and Surgeons believes that depressed people may be unable
to regulate the inflammation in their bodies caused by stress-generated
hormones such as cortisol. See "Depressed heart attach patients
at higher risk of death," at www.cbc.ca.
Long-Term
Anxiety Increases Heart Attack Risk [back to top]
While several previous studies have established that a 'Type A' personality,
characterized by anger, hostility, and competitiveness, increases
people's risk of having a heart attack, new research has found that
the socially withdrawn and perpetually anxious are at just as much
risk. This is true even when other cardiovascular risk factors such
as blood pressure, obesity cholesterol, age, cigarette smoking and
blood sugar levels were taken into account. The good news is that
anxiety can be reduced through stress management and therapy. See
"Long-Term Anxiety Ups Heart Attack Risk" from the Journal
of the American College of Cardiology at psychcentral.com.
Violent
Temper Tantrums Put Children at Risk of Depression [back to top]
Children who have long, frequent or aggressive temper tantrums may
be at risk of depression or disruptive disorders, US researchers have
found. While tantrums occur in healthy children and are a normal part
of development, at risk children often display five high-risk tantrum
styles: tantrums marked by self injury; tantrums marked by violence
to others or objects; tantrums in which children cannot calm themselves
without help; tantrums lasting more than 25 minutes; and tantrums
occurring more than 5 times a day, or between 10 and 20 times a month.
Parents of at risk children are strongly encouraged to seek the help
of their pediatrician. See the study, "Some Temper Tantrum can
be Red Flags," published in the Journal of Pediatrics,
a www.reuters.com.
>> learn more about prevention
and intervention programs for youth in the issue of Visions
on First Responders for Young People at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.
Addressing
Overall Health Within Mental Health Services Found Effective
[back to top]
Formally embedding health promotion strategies as brief treatment
interventions within mental health services is an effective approach
to women with psychiatric illnesses who also have physical health
conditions, according to a recently published article from the US.
Published in Brief Treatment of Crisis Intervention, the
paper is concerned with strategies that address the overall health
of a woman when developing a treatment plan. The author describes
health promotions strategies such as Wellness Recovery Action Plans
(WRAPs) and health education, as well as model programs within the
context of brief treatment. The article reviews barriers to implementation
and concludes with recommendations for organizational shift to a more
holistic, person-centred approach to treatment. See "Health Promotion
as Brief Treatment: Strategies for Women with Co-morbid Health and
Mental Health Conditions," available at www.medscape.com
(free registration required). An abstract with paid access to full-text
is available at brief-treatment.oxfordjournals.org.
New Programs and Resources
Correctional
Services Pilots National Mental Health Training and Screening
[back to top]
In 2005-2006, Correctional Services Canada (CSC) developed a multi-faceted
mental health strategy to address the growing mental health needs
of offenders in the federal prison system. The goal of the 5-year
initiative is to ensure that offenders with mental health needs receive
the proper support and treatment in order to transition to the community
mental health system and reintegrate into the community. According
to the 2006-2007 Departmental Performance Report (DPR-Part III
Estimates) their past year's activities included development
of an evaluation plan and a measurement strategy, development and
piloting of a two-day national mental health training package as well
as delivery of a women's mental health version to women's halfway
houses. Over 40 regional services contracts, which provide services
and supports to offenders with mental illness under CSC jurisdiction
in the community, were approved. As well, the Regional Reception and
Assessment Centre (RRAC) pilot project, involving mental health screening
and assessment of offenders at time of intake, is half complete. Read
the full report at www.tbs-sct.gc.ca.
Events
Calendar for Family Members and Supporters in BC [back to top]
People caring for a loved one with mental illness can now find events
and support groups in their area with the Family Support Events Calendar.
The calendar is maintained by the BC Schizophrenia Society on behalf
of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. Twinned
with the calendar is a family information e-list that allows families
to sign up to receive updates on events and resources. You can view
the calendar at www.bcss.org/familycalendar.
Youth
Participants Design Ad Campaign to Promote Mental Health
[back to top]
Mindyourmind.ca is a non-profit mental health website inspired by
youth for youth. As part of their recent anti-stigma campaign, mindyourmind.ca
gathered a group of youth between the ages of 15-24 to create an ad
campaign promoting mental health. Check out resulting poster, sticker
and online public service announcement at www.mindyourmind.ca.
Guides
to Support Families Affected by Concurrent Disorders [back to top]
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has recently published
a new facilitator's guide in response to clinicians' lack of tools,
training and confidence when providing education and support for family
members of persons diagnosed with substance use and/or mental health
problems. The facilitator's guide and an earlier family resource are
important parts of a three-phase study at CAMH comparing two interventions
for families affected by concurrent disorders: an education and support
group, and an educational manual and workbook. The guide stresses
the value of including families in the helping process and forms part
of a larger effort to provide evidence-based services for families.
See "Partnering with Families Affected by Concurrent Disorders:
Facilitator's Guide," available at www.camh.net.
"A Family Guide to Concurrent Disorders" is available a
www.camh.net.
Mental Health First Aid Guidelines
from Australia [back to top]
The ORYGEN Research Centre at the University of Melbourne has produced
a series of guidelines to help members of the public provide first
aid for a range of developing mental disorders and mental health crisis
situations. Developed through the Delphi method, a systematic way
of assessing the consensus of a panel of experts, the series includes
guidelines for depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviours, psychosis,
and deliberate self-injury without suicidal intent. The series also
includes guidelines for psychosis in Asian countries and for Australian
Aboriginal Peoples experiencing depression or psychosis. Future guidelines
are planned to cover problem drinking, traumatic experiences, and
panic attacks. The guidelines are available at www.mhfa.com.au.
Preventing
Violence Before it Occurs [back to top]
In 2003, given the strong evidential link between violence and anxiety,
depression and other mental health problems, Australia's Victorian
Health Promotion Foundation identified violence against women as a
priority in addressing the preventable causes of poor mental health.
Developed as a framework for this initiative, Preventing violence
before it occurs: A framework and background paper to guide the primary
prevention of violence against women in Victoria is based on
a review of existing research evidence and input from a range of local
and national experts. This framework is designed to provide a sound
theoretical and evidence base to support future government, community
and corporate sector activity to prevent violence against women. It
identifies priority strategies, settings and population targets. The
framework is available online at www.vichealth.vic.gov.au.
Online
Guide to Evidence-Based Treatment and Prevention [back to top]
The US's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) has developed a new webpage to help users identify evidence-based
programs and practices for the treatment and/or prevention of mental
and substance use disorders. A Guide to Evidence-Based Practices
provides a list of websites that deal with either specific evidence-based
practices or provide reviews of research findings. Only sites that
do not charge user fees and that provide information about multiple
and effective EBPs are included in the guide. Users can search for
sites by either topic or intended audience. The guide also provides
information about each site, including the organization name, the
Internet address, and a statement of the site's purpose and intended
audience. Visit the resource at www.samhsa.gov/ebdWebguide
Fact Sheets on Supportive Housing and Sexual
Orientation in Home Care
[back to top]
The Canadian Research Network for Care in the Community has released
two new fact sheets. The fact sheet on sexual orientation in home
and community care discusses the many barriers that lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transsexual/transgendered (LGBT) people face when accessing
community services, such as home care, and how this affects their
health status. The fact sheet cites higher rates of cervical cancer,
eating disorders and depression and other mental health issues in
the LGBT community, as well as higher incidences of alcoholism, smoking
and related health conditions. The second fact sheet answers some
"frequently asked questions" for community agencies that
wish to build or develop supportive housing in their communities including
a description of supportive housing models and the different people
it serves, as well as addresses issues such as NIMBYism (a "not
in my backyard" attitude) and costs an agency might incur. The
sheets are available at www.crncc.ca.
Fall/Winter
Issue of Network Magazine on Women's Health Now Online [back to top]
Published by the Canadian Women's Health Network, the most recent
issue of Network addresses topics such as women, gender and
mental health, older women's health needs, infant feeding experiences
of women survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and one woman's experience
with early harm reduction programs in BC. Read it online at www.cwhm.ca.
To receive a one-time free issue of Network, send your name and full
mailing address, including postal code to cwhn@cwhn.ca.
Offer open only to Canadian residents.
>> interested in the
topic of women's mental health? Read the issue of Visions Journal
on Women at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.
UNBC
Offers Unique Masters on Return-to-Work Strategies [back to top]
The first of it's kind in Canada, The University of Northern BC's
(UNBC) master's degree in disability management trains graduates to
prepare back-to-work strategies for injured or disabled workers. The
program is available either online or in a classrooms setting at the
Prince George campus. Graduates gain the knowledge and skills required
to assist labour, management, insurance providers, employers and employees
in developing successful return-to-work strategies for everything
from repetitive strain injuries to depression and anxiety. See "Program
leads to rewarding employee rehabilitation work," at www.canada.com.
For more information on the program visit www.unbc.ca.
Announcements
Mental
Health Commission Releases Report on Stakeholder Consultations
[back to top]
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) has released a report
summarizing the findings of a cross-Canada consultation with stakeholders
on the commission's priorities. In October 2007 consumers, family
members, service providers, community groups, regional planning groups
and others were invited to submit briefs and discuss their perspectives
on the three priorities of the commission: a national mental health
strategy, a knowledge exchange centre and reducing stigma. The stakeholders
suggested the following principles to guide the work of the commission:
using approaches that can demonstrate evidence of effectiveness; taking
a human rights perspective, including policy and legislative changes
to decrease discrimination; addressing both individual and systemic
discrimination; emphasizing community transformation, not just individual
change; and putting stigma and discrimination within the broader context
of a national strategy that focuses on community inclusion and access
to services. Read "Moving Forward Together: Stakeholder Perspectives
on the Priorities of the Mental Health Commission of Canada,"
in PDF format at www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.
Landmark
Ontario Human Rights Decision on Mental Health Disability Accommodation
[back to top]
The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal recently upheld the duty to accommodate
a mental health disability in the workplace under the Ontario Human
Rights Code. Paul Lane was dismissed in 2001 from his new job as a
quality assurance analyst after advising a supervisor that he required
accommodations for his bipolar disorder. After losing his savings,
his home and his wife, Mr. Lane brought his case before the Ontario
Human Rights Commission. The tribunal recently found his former employer
responsible for discrimination, and awarded him $80,000 in damages.
According to lawyer Raj Dhir, who represented the commission in Mr.
Lane's case, the ruling is the first time the Ontario Human Rights
Commission has dealt specifically with the needs of employees who
suffer from bipolar disorder, and the obligation of employers to adequately
accommodate them. See "Man 'back on track' after winning discrimination
case; Consulting firm fired analyst because he was bipolar: tribunal,"
at www.canada.com.
Government
Responds to Suicide Crisis in Hazelton [back to top]
Hazelton, the rugged Western Interior native community of roughly
6,000, is experiencing a suicide crisis. Over the past year, local
police, doctors and health officials have struggled to respond to
a staggering 111 attempts and eight deaths - four times the suicide
rate of previous years. Hazelton is currently going through dark times:
90% of people are unemployed, and community facilities such as pools,
mall and theatres are non-existent. For many, drinking, drug consumption
and suicide have become means of escaping these brutal realities.
In response to this crisis, $30,000 was provided by the BC government
for the immediate creation of a safety program aimed at keeping youth
connected to support services over the Christmas holiday period, and
federal funding has come in for the creation of a specialized, aboriginal-focused
suicide prevention team. But the need for further funding applied
to suicide research and the creation of community resources for youth
is still acutely felt. Read "Death's Doorstep," at www.canada.com
and "New Program helps to Lower Suicide," at www.cbc.ca.
>> for a detailed look at
the complex topic of suicide and suicide prevention, read the
issue of Visions on Suicide at www
heretohelp.bc.ca.
>> the Spring issue
of Visions will look at Aboriginal Mental Health/Substance Use.
Sign up for eVisions to have summaries of the entire issue with links
to the full articles delivered straight to your email inbox before
it's even off the press - all for free! Sign up at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.
More
Funding for Housing for People with Mental Illness and Addiction in
Victoria [back to top]
Supportive housing for people with drug addiction and mental illness
is now a spending priority of Victoria's Housing Trust Fund. Established
in 2004, the fund has been used to create 93 units of housing for
targeted groups, including low-income families, youth and seniors.
The urgent need for housing for the addicted and mentally was identified
by the Mayor's Task Force on Breaking the Cycle of Mental Illness,
Addiction and Homelessness, and is reflected in the decision to allocate
more funding towards housing for this group. To find out more, read
www.bclocalnews.com.
Video
Contest for BC Youth: What Makes You Strong - January
15 Deadline [back to top]
Jessie's Hope Society asks BC youth "What makes you strong?"
Here's your chance to win a $1000, $500, or $250 scholarship and a
chance to have your video used in a BC-wide marketing campaign. The
judges will be looking for videos that are educational, creative,
diverse, original and of quality and meet the following criteria:
maximum 3 minutes in length and demonstrates how you and/your family
and/or friends develop healthy self-esteem, body image and inner strength
to live with a healthy mind, body and soul despite pressures from
the media, fashion, sports, diet industries and even friends and family.
You must be between the ages of 12 and 22 inclusive and a resident
of British Columbia. To enter, go to www.youtube.com/group/jessieshope
and upload your video. Then email your YouTube video link, your YouTube
username, age, location and name/phone number to youtube@jessieshope.org
(Only those submissions received at this email address will be considered).
Deadline: 5pm Jan. 25, 2008. Premier
to take place on February 5th, 2008 at UBC Robson Square, Vancouver,
BC. For details visit jessieshope.org.
Courage
to Come Back Awards Accepting Nominations - Due
February 18 [back to top]
Do you know an inspiring adult or youth who has overcome the challenges
of living with mental or physical illness, addiction, or some form
of social adversity? The Coast Mental Health Foundation is currently
accepting nominations for their annual Courage to Come Back Awards.
The awards are designed to recognize and honour people across BC who
have demonstrated extraordinary courage recovering from injury, accident,
illness and personal trauma. Nominations are open to all BC residents.
Recipients will be honoured at a Gala Dinner on May 8, 2008 and have
their stories featured in The Province and on Global Television. Nominations
are due by Feb. 18, 2008. Visit coastmentalhealth.com
for more information and to download a nomination form.
Central
Fraser Valley Telecare Crisis Line Seeks Volunteers [back to top]
Central Fraser Valley Telecare, a Christian-based crisis line, is
seeking volunteers. Volunteer training begins on Thursday, Jan. 10
at 7pm and continues on subsequent Thursday evenings and some Saturdays
from January to March at Central Heights Church, 1661 McCallum Rd,
Abbotsford. The line receives about 300 calls a month that come in
from people who are lonely depressed, anxious, struggling in difficult
relationships, working through grief and loss, or contemplating suicide.
For further details on the training, call 604-852-9099 or visit www.bclocalnews.com
Now
Who's Talking Recovery Theatre Seeks Behind-the-Scenes Volunteers
[back to top]
Now Who's Talking Recovery Theatre is looking for volunteers for stage
management, stage help, set design and construction, lighting, costumes
and props, make up, ticket sales, reception and ushering for their
upcoming performances on March 20 - 22 at St. James Community Square,
Vancouver. Now Who's Talking Recovery Theatre is a non-profit program
funded by CIF and Vancouver Coastal Health where participants learn
how to tell their stories of recovery from mental illness and addiction
through the context of theatre. All proceeds go towards meeting the
costs of the project, with remaining funds going back into the program.
Contact Elly Litvak by phone at 604-688-1556 or email elly@whoscrazynow.com
Mental
Health Commission of Canada's Seeks Advice on Knowledge Exchange
[back to top]
The Mental Health Commission of Canada Knowledge Exchange Centre initiative
is interested in your advice and support. They are conducting a survey
to help identify good, promising and best practice in mental health
knowledge exchange for the creation of their own Knowledge Exchange
Centre. Knowledge exchange is defined as "the engagement of people
living with mental illness and their families, as well as the public,
service providers, decision makers, and researchers in obtaining,
sharing and utilizing information, knowledge and skills to improve
health outcomes, based on evidence or experience or promising practices
or policies." If you have suggestions about a good practice in
knowledge exchange, please fill in the survey at www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.
U
of C Stress Studies Receives $5M in Government Grants [back to top]
Stress-related study projects at the University of Calgary are receiving
a $5-million boost from the federal government for the university's
Hotchkiss Brain Institute. The institute is probing how mental stress
affects people at work and how some brains process stress differently
than others. Hotchkiss researchers are trying to find out where and
how stress is triggered in the brain, in a search for a cure for depression.
One of the institute's studies is tracking employees for two years
to find ways to help companies treat depression and other stress-related
illnesses for their staff. See "U of C stress studies receive
$5M Federal Injection," at www.cbc.ca.
Visit the Hotchkiss Brain Institute website at www.hbi.ucalgary.ca.
Advocacy
Campaign to Save the Canadian Health Network [back to top]
The federal government recently announced that it will close the Canadian
Health Network (CHN) at the end of March 2008. A campaign advocating
for the continuation of the program has been recently launched by
an ad-hoc group called Friends of CHN. The CHN is a website started
by the federal government that provides reliable health information
to Canadians. It operates as collaboration among Health Canada, the
Public Health Agency of Canada and a wide range of affiliated health
organizations across Canada, including CMHA. To sign the petition,
go to www.thepetitionsite.com/1/saveCHN.
Visit the Canadian Health Network at www.canadian-health-network.ca.
Researchers
Seeking Participants for Survey on Problem Drinking [back to top]
Do you have personal experience with problem drinking but are now
functioning well? Have cared for someone who has experienced problem
drinking? The ORYGEN Research Centre at the University of Melbourne
is seeking survey participants who have personal experience with problem
drinking or who have known and cared for someone with a drinking problem.
The results will be used in the development of mental health first
aid guidelines that address problem drinking. To learn about the project
visit www.mhfa.com.au.
If you are interested in participating in the survey, please contact
Anna at annahk@unimelb.edu.au.
Monitoring Mood in Bipolar Disorder: '4M' Study
Seeks Participants [back to top]
Guidelines for treating bipolar disorder (BD) suggest that 'mood monitoring'
(measuring highs and lows in mood on a daily basis) should be encouraged.
Dr. Erin Michalak from the University of British Columbia is investigating
whether mood monitoring has an impact on quality of life and symptoms
in people with BD by comparing mood monitoring using a wireless handheld
computer (a Treo) to paper and pencil diary. If you have a diagnosis
of BD type I or II and are potentially interested in participating
in this study, please contact Erica Amari at 604-822-7247 or erica.amari@ubc.ca
for further details.
Wellness
Strategies Study Seeks Men with Bipolar Disorder
[back to top]
Most previous research into bipolar disorder (BD) has been performed
in people who are experiencing significant problems with the condition.
Very little previous research has examined people who are functioning
well with BD in their work or home lives. Dr. Erin Michalak from the
University of British Columbia is conducting a 'qualitative' study
(using interviews or focus groups) of the strategies people with BD
type I or II use to stay well. In particular, she and her research
team would like to speak to men with a diagnosis of BD. If you are
male, have a diagnosis of BD type I or II and are potentially interested
in participating in this study, please contact Erica Amari at 604-822-7247
erica.amari@ubc.ca for further
details.
Public Education
Events
Give
Your Brain Boost! January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month [back to top]
The Alzheimer Society is calling on the Canadian public to take action
and make the commitment to better brain health. Did you know that doing
puzzles like crosswords and word searches is a great way to keep your
brain active? Maintaining a healthy diet and choosing the right foods
is a great way to boost the nutrition that feeds your brain. Visit www.alzheimer.ca
to try the BrainBooster recipe of the month as well as the latest puzzles,
stories and tips to keep your brain healthy. Plus, see what people across
Canada are pledging to do to keep their brain healthy and make
a pledge of your own!
Eating
Disorder Awareness Week Celebrates Natural Body Sizes - February
3 - 9
The theme of this year's Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) is "Celebrating
Our Natural Sizes." It is organized by the National Eating Disorder
Information Centre (NEDIC), a non-profit organization that provides
information and resources on food and weight preoccupation.
EDAW allows local supporters to participate in a national campaign devoted
to increasing the awareness of the prevalence of disordered eating,
including binge eating, anorexia and bulimia. It also creates an opportunity
to work towards a greater understanding of eating disorders and their
development, prevention and treatment. NEDIC is encouraging participants
to list their community events on the organization's website. NEDIC
can also provide interested groups with information and resources to
help in the planning and promotion of their event. For details and event
listings visit www.nedic.ca.
Movie
Mondays in Victoria [back to top]
Every Monday at 6:30pm, Bruce Saunders' Movie Monday project presents
free movies at the Eric Martin Pavilion at the 1900 block of Fort Street
in Victoria. More details at www.moviemonday.ca.
January 21 - 20h17 Rue Darling
January 28 - The Cabin Movie
February 4 - Vitus
February 11 - King Corn
February 18 - Knocked Up
Family
Workshops for Kids with Anxiety Disorders in Burnaby and Victoria
[back to top]
Is your child or teen affected by anxiety? AnxietyBC and FORCE Society
for Kids' Mental Health are proud to present a family skill-building
seminar focused on anxiety disorders in children and youth. Parents,
caregivers and counselors will learn how to recognize, reduce and manage
anxiety. No registration is required for these free events. For more
information visit www.anxietybc.com
or call 604-525-7566.
Burnaby - January
22 - 7pm at Our Lady of Mercy School Hall, 7455 10th Ave. (at
Kingsway)
Victoria - January
24 - Spectrum Community School Theatre,957 West Burnside Road
>> looking for more information
on children's mental health? Read the issues of Visions
on Treatments for Young People at www.heretohelp.bc.ca
and Anxiety Disorders in Children and Youth at www.cmha.bc.ca.
Frames
of Mind Film Screening - Crazy Love - January
16 [back to top]
Frames of Mind is a monthly film event utilizing film and video to promote
professional and community education on issues pertaining to mental
health and illness. This month's feature, Crazy Love is the
astonishing story of an obsessive roller-coaster relationship that first
dominated newspaper headlines in the United States almost 50 years ago.
Crazy Love examines the complexity of the human psyche and
the concepts of love, obsession, insanity, hope and forgiveness. The
screening is followed by a discussion with Kathleen Mackay, Coordinator
of the Domestic Violence Programs at Vancouver General Hospital, and
Dr. Harry Stefanakis, chairperson for the Ending Relationship Abuse
Society of BC. At Pacific Cinémathèque, 1131 Howe Street,
Vancouver. Tickets: $9.50 regular / $8 for students and seniors. Eligible
for 1.0 hour Section 1 of Royal College's Maintenance of Certification
Program. For more information, view the flyer at www.psychiatry.ubc.ca
or visit www.cinematheque.bc.ca.
MDA
of BC Education Evening - Genetic and Environmental Contributors to
Mood Disorders - January 18 [back to top]
Join Mood Disorders Association of BC for their monthly Education Evening
for the community. Dr. Jehannine Austin, genetic counselor, VGH Research
Pavilion, will talk about understanding how heredity and the environment
interact and how it they can affect the ability of a person with a mood
disorder to self-manage their illness. The free event starts at 7pm
at Sunrise Hall, 1950 Windermere St., Vancouver. The hall is wheelchair
accessible. Call 604-873-0103 or email info@mdabc.net
for more information.
The
Lobotomist Documentary on PBS - Airs January 21
[back to top]
The lobotomy was once hailed as a groundbreaking medical procedure that
promised hope to the most distressed families and desolate mentally
ill patients. Championed by a young and ambitious neurologist named
Walter J. Freeman, what began as an operation of last resort was soon
being performed at some 50 state asylums, often with devastating results.
Through interviews with medical historians, psychiatrists who worked
with Freeman and the desperate families who sought his help, this program
tells the gripping tale of medical intervention gone awry. For more
information and local listings, visit www.pbs.org.
Depression...
Living and Winning - January 24
[back to top]
An eye opening panel discussion on depression and the devestating effect
it has on families, friends and community. Discussions will deal with
untreated depression and depression's impact on society, as well as
the role of family, friends, prescription drugs and counselling. This
presentation will show there is hope and help for those suffering. Panel
features Dr. Allan Young, Psychiatrist and Researcher in Depression
at the UBC Institute of Mental Health and Dr. Jane Garland, Child Psychiatrist
and Head of Mood Disorder Clinic at BC Children's Hospital. From 6:30
to 9pm at The Chan Auditorium and Chieng Atrium at the Child and Family
Research Institute at BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver. FREE to attend,
but space is limited. Please RSVP at www.thekeltyfoundation.org.
Courses and Workshops
Mental Health Works Workshops
[back to top]
Mental Health Works provides organizations with the tools and resources
they need to effectively address issues involving mental illness in
the workplace. Informational presentations and skills building workshops
are available for various audiences in the workplace - from employees
at all levels, to union representatives to senior management. Learn
more at www.mentalhealthworks.ca
or contact Margaret Tebbutt at 1-800-555-8222 or mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca
for more information.
- "Complex
Issues. Clear Solutions" Management Workshop
(full-day 7-hour workshop, or three 3-hour workshops) - Learn to effectively
address the complex issues around mental health problems in the workplace.
This award-winning workshop is a practical and interactive multimedia
learning experience. Includes materials and resources. Full-day workshop
$210 per participant, plus expenses for 12 - 16 participants; or series
of three 3-hour workshops $350 per participant, plus expenses for
a minimum of 12 participants.
- Awareness
of Workplace Mental Health
(1 hour) - An engaging look at what it is like to experience conditions
such as depression or anxiety at work. Cost: $800, plus expenses.
- Workplace
Influence
(3 hours) - Employees consider ways to positively influence both their
own mental health and that of their co-workers. Cost: $1500, plus
expenses.
- Issues
and Solutions
(2 hours) - Provides a quick overview of the Mental Health Works approach
to building awareness, recognition and strategies around mental health
issues in the workplace. Cost: $1500, plus expenses.
- Assisting
Workers with Mental Health Issues (3 hours)
- For union representatives and stewards. A unique look at the role
of the union in helping members through workplace conflict, accommodation
and disability. 3-hour
workshop $1500, plus expenses.
- Affecting
Workplace Mental Health
(3 hours) - Looks at the systemic and organizational factors that
affect the mental health or workers and asks participants to create
action plans for those factors that affect their own workplace situation.
Cost:
$1500, plus expenses.
- Human
Resources: Return-to-Work Strategies
(3 to 4 hours) - For human resource personnel involved in the return-to-work
or performance management of people with mental health issues. Case
studies engage participants in considering approaches to the more
difficult situations. Cost:
$1500, plus expenses.
- Occupational
Health Strategies: Return-to-work after Mental Illness
(3 to 4 hours) - Addresses challenges such as working with physicians,
uncooperative supervisors or management, and employees who do not
seem able to access effective treatment. Cost: $1500, plus expenses.
- Managing
the Return-to-Work
(3 hours; minimum of 12 participants) - For managers and supervisors
who have a good working knowledge of mental health and communication
skills, including those who have attended previous Mental Health Workshops
and want to get more 'hands on' in how they juggle the competing interests
of the returning employee, co-workers, organizational demands and
their own time management. Cost: $200 per participant.
Post-Conference
Mental Health Works Workshops - February 21
[back to top]
Mental Health Works, a multiple award-winning initiative of the Canadian
Mental Health Association, provides organizations with the tools and
resources they need to effectively address issues involving mental illness
in the workplace. Gain role-specific skills and information for managers,
supervisors, union representatives, occupational health professionals,
and human resource professionals through this special series of post-Bottom
Line Conference interactive workshops. Everyone welcome. At the Vancouver
Convention and Exhibition Centre, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver. For more
information and registration, visit www.bottomlineconference.ca.
Full-Day Workshops
Complex Issues. Clear Solutions. - $310
Union Matters! - $310
Morning Workshop
Occupational Health Strategies: Stay-at-Work and Return-to-Work
After Mental Illness - $140
Afternoon Workshop
Human Resources: Stay-at-Work and Return-to-Work Strategies - $140
Conferences
Moving
Upstream: Evidence for Early Intervention in Mental Health –
February 14 [back to top]
In Canada, 1.2 million children and youth are affected by mental illness.
Research has shown that early detection and treatment of mental disorders
can reduce the severity of illness and offer the best chances of recovery.
The BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network’s 2008 Annual
Research Colloquium will focus on early intervention in mental health
and will feature leading experts in the field from BC and beyond. Free
to attend, but registration is required. The colloquium will also be
broadcast live via the internet. 9am to 4pm at Morris J. Wosk Centre
for Dialogue, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. For more information
and to register visit www.mhanet.ca.
Psychopharmacology
Conference - February 15 + 16
[back to top]
BC Mental Health and Addiction Services invites you to attend the second
annual conference on the pharmacotherapy of psychiatric illness. Speakers
will address specific challenges encountered by the psychiatric team,
new research, practical clinical information, as well as reimbursement
issues for pharmacists. Registration fee: $350; Student, Early Bird
and Single-Day Rates also available. Learn more and register at www.bcmhas.ca.
Bottom
Line Conference on Mental Illness in the Workplace - February
20 [back to top]
With mental health issues emerging as the leading cause of long-term
disability - as well as a key factor in productivity, retention and
satisfaction - developing and implementing clear strategies to prevent
and address mental health issues in the workplace is essential for every
workplace. CMHA BC Division invites workplace leaders to join us for
the 6th Annual Bottom Line Conference - Looking for Leaders: Everyone
Can Make a Difference - on leadership in achieving workplace mental
health through innovative and best practices. Keynote speakers include
five-time Olympian, Olympic silver medallist and president/founder of
NGU Consultants, Charmaine Crooks, as well as Drs. Joti Samra, Merv
Gilbert and Dan Bilsker, authors of the Antidepressant Skills at
Work self-help manual. Conference fee: $425; Early Bird: $350 (ends
Jan. 15); Special Offer: Buy 6, get 7th free. 7:30am to 4:30pm at the
Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver.
For up-to-date information on the conference program and speakers, as
well as highlights from the latest in workplace mental health news and
tools visit www.bottomlineconference.ca.
>> Don’t miss our
post-conference Mental Health Works Workshops on February
21 for practical knowledge and skills for addressing mental illness
in the workplace. Learn more and register at www.bottomlineconference.ca.
Aboriginal
Health Forum in Calgary, AB – February 25
+ 26 [back to top]
Hear the latest on health care issues facing Aboriginal communities
including streamlining First Nations health care facilities, exploring
the benefits of telehealth, developing tools to assist First Nations
in accessing benefits, and aboriginal access to mental health and addictions
care. Presented by Insight Information. Registration Fee: $1,695;Early
Bird: $1,495 (before Dec. 7). At the TELUS Convention Centre, Calgary,
AB. To register visit www.insightinfo.com
or contact 1-888-777-1707 or order@insightinfo.com.
Forensic
Psychiatry Conference on Mental Health and the Justice System - April
2 - 4 [back to top]
The Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission has once again joined with
the Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services, the University of British Columbia
and the Alberta Mental Health Board to present a conference on mental
health and the justice system across the lifespan. This year's conference
features a number of teaching seminars related to risk assessment, specifically
the Short-Term Assessment of Risk & Treatability (START), treatment
of serious and violent juvenile offenders, and assessing malingering
of mental health problems. Registration Fee: $595; Student, Early Bird
and Single-Day Rate also available. At the Coast Plaza Hotel, 1763 Comox
St., Vancouver. For more information and registration visit www.bcmhas.ca.
|
 Health
promotion helps us to understand the many influences on our
health from social and environmental factors such as housing,
income, education, clean air and a sense of belonging, to our
everyday choices about diet and exercise. Understanding what
affects our health can help us take action to make it better.
So can the Canadian Health Network (CHN). It is a wealth of
information to help you prevent disease and make healthy choices
for yourself and your community. CMHA is the official Mental
Health Affiliate of CHN. |
If
you like what you've just read and would like to support our work,
you can donate to our charity by clicking on the image above or send
your gifts to CMHA BC, 1200-1111 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC V6E
3V6, Tel: 604-688-3234 (1-800-555-8222), Fax: 604-688-3236.
DISCLAIMER
This newsletter contains information collected from a wide variety of
sources, individuals and organizations which we consider reliable. However
the content of the news delivered as well as referred to does not necessarily
represent the official view of CMHA, BC Division. Under no circumstances
shall CMHA, its employees, directors, volunteers, or the authors of
information provided in this newsletter, be liable for damages, losses,
demands, or claims.
To
subscribe or unsubscribe from MIND MATTERS, visit www.cmha.bc.ca.
If
you have any ideas or content for MIND MATTERS, please send them to
mindmatters@cmha.bc.ca.
The Canadian
Mental Health Association (CMHA), BC Division is a provincial non-profit
charitable organization which has, for the past 50 years in BC, been
concerned with promoting the mental health of all British Columbians
and changing the way we view and treat mental illness in BC. We are
part of a national association with over 80 years of experience in Canada.
CMHA staff and volunteers focus on four major responsibilities: policy,
public education, community-based research, and mental health service
and support resources. We are located at: 1200-1111 Melville St., Vancouver
BC, V6E 3V6 Phone: 604-688-3234 or 1-800-555-8222 (free within BC);
Fax: 604-688-3236; General email: info@cmha.bc.ca; MIND MATTERS email:mindmatters@cmha.bc.ca; Web: www.cmha.bc.ca |
|
