On behalf of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), Louise Bradley, President and CEO, made the following statement.
“Today, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is particularly poignant given the profound opioid crisis that is plaguing our country and has taken the lives of almost 2500 people in 2016.
As we strive to grapple with this epidemic – that involves the potent narcotic in both prescription and illicit forms – we are reminded that addictions and mental health problems must not be treated in isolation. A solution will continue to elude us unless we encourage the two sectors to work hand-in-glove, to provide people with seamless, collaborative care.
Separating mental health from addiction, and isolating these services from the rest of health care, works against people getting well and achieving recovery. Today, the MHCC is calling on policy makers to help build capacity for collaboration through financial incentives, human resource strategies, technology and promoting continuous quality improvement through evaluation.”
ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for change. We are collaborating with hundreds of partners to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to help people who live with mental health problems and illnesses lead meaningful and productive lives. Together we create change. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada.
www.mentalhealthcommission.ca | strategy.mentalhealthcommission.ca
Media Contact:
Hélène Côté, Senior Communications Advisor, Public Affairs
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Office: 613.683.3952
Mobile: 613.857.0840
hcote@mentalhealthcommission.ca
