The Mental Health Commission of Canada urges all levels of government to work together to ensure that additional funding is provided within the Health Accord to meet the growing mental health needs of all people in Canada.
One in five people (6.7 million) in Canada will have a mental health problem or illness in any given year. However, the majority lack timely access to the right combination of psychological services, treatments and supports needed to aid in their journey to recovery. All federal, provincial and territorial governments are aware of this urgent situation and each has a strategy to address mental health within their jurisdictions. A new investment in mental healthcare will demonstrate their commitment to help close the growing gap between need and services.
We know how to improve outcomes, both social and economic. We must invest in prevention, access to early intervention, psychotherapies, collaborative community mental health and e-mental health. Without an infusion of new dollars, help for people living with mental health problems and illnesses will remain a privilege, well beyond the grasp of some of the most vulnerable populations.
Targeted mental health funding, tied to measureable outcomes, must be part of any new health agreement.
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, Marketing and Communications
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Office: 613.683.3952
Mobile: 613.857.0840
hcote@mentalhealthcommission.ca
