NewsToGo
OPDI NewsToGo Issue #290 - November 25, 2011
1. OPDI Seeks Board Members
OPDI is currently seeking Board members. In accordance with OPDI’s by-laws, Board members must be a member in good standing of an OPDI member organization (there are general and associate seats) If you are interested please see the attached nomination letter and application. Please forward this email to consumer members, staff or directors of your organization whom you think would be interested and whom you can support as excellent board candidates.
Board_and_Committee_Nomination_Letter_2011.pdf
OPDI_Board__Committee_Membership_Application_2011.doc
2. Ontario Tax Credit Refund Information Sheet (from ISAC)
In last week’s NTG, we shared that the Ontario Government is bundling several tax credits and replacing them with a monthly benefit. People expecting a lump sum refund on those credits will be disappointed. Please refer to this information sheet for full details of what this could mean if using a tax preparation company’s services. We have attached an information sheet for your review.
You can also download this resource at the Income Security Advocacy Centre’s website:
http://www.incomesecurity.org/
3. “Living Your Rights” Lecture Series
This is a monthly lecture presented by Central LHIN and the PPAO that takes place at North York General Hospital Branson Site. The December lecture takes place Thursday, December 1 between 2:00 and 3:30 pm and the topic is “Informed Consent and Your Rights”. Please refer to the attached poster for full details for registration and information.
Living_Your_Rights_dec_12011_DOC.pdf
4. MHCC Peer Support Project Update (November 2011)
The update can be read here:
5. MHCC Co-Organizing Anti-Stigma Conference in Ottawa (June 4 – 6, 2012)
The Mental Health Commission of Canada and the World Psychiatric Association Scientific Section on Stigma and Mental Illness are putting together this international conference to bring together researchers, mental health professionals, policy makers and service users interested in stigma and discrimination. The focus will be on effective interventions to reduce stigma and discrimination against those with mental illness.
Abstract submissions information and registration for the “Together against Stigma: Changing how we see mental illness” conference can be found here:
http://www.togetheragainststigma2012.ca/index.php/omas/tas12
6. A Bittersweet Profile of Linda Chamberlain
Toronto Star columnist Catherine Porter writes an extended profile of this noted consumer/survivor for a reason; there is also an accompanying video:
7. Friendly Spike Theatre Founder To Receive City of Toronto Access Award
Congratulations to Ruth Ruth for winning this prestigious award. It will be presented to her as part of the 2011 Access, Equity, and Human Rights Awards ceremony at Toronto City Council Chambers (100 Queen Street W.) on December 8th, 2011 at 6:30 pm. Please RSVP at: (416) 392-7667; TTY (416) 338-0889; or email at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
To find out more about all the awards, visit this webpage:
http://www.toronto.ca/civicawards/
8. Toronto Star Atkinson Series: “Women and Alcohol”
This special coverage focuses on alcohol consumption as a major health policy issue:
http://www.thestar.com/topic/Atkinson2011
9. Anti-psychotic Medications Linked to Diabetes in Children
If it could happen to adults, it can do the same to kids:
10. National Empowerment Center Website Features Peer-Run Crisis Diversion
This American website has recently updated its content with a wealth of resources on peer-run alternatives to crisis intervention:
http://www.power2u.org/crisis-alternatives.html
11. Consumer-Operated Services Evidence-Based Practices Kit and Video
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) in the United States has released this useful resource and it is accompanied by a video that can be seen on YouTube.
The kit is downloadable at:
The video profiles a consumer-operated program and is available at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV0JSZ2k1oQ
12. Job Posting for Peer Supporter – Community Crisis Response Program (North York)
This position at St. Elizabeth’s Health Care is advertised at Charity Village with an application deadline of December 8th, 2011:
http://www.charityvillage.com/cvnet/viewlisting.aspx?id=243615&eng=True&fs=True&fa=False
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If you have any ideas, contributions, or comments, please don’t hesitate to share them with us. E-mail (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). For those who would like to subscribe to this e-mail update, please e-mail (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Thanks for reading!
The Staff of OPDI
NewsToGo is OPDI’s e-mail update providing timely and meaningful information to its stakeholders. The ideas expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of OPDI. We welcome your submissions; please direct them to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Preference will be given to material which directly relates to OPDI member affiliates and issues of concern to consumer/survivors throughout Ontario. We reserve the right to edit the length and style of all materials submitted. The current and back issues of NewsToGo can be found at http://www.opdi.org.
OPDI NewstoGo Issue #289 - November 18, 2011
1. OPDI Seeks Board Members
OPDI is currently seeking Board members. In accordance with OPDI’s by-laws, Board members must be a member in good standing of an OPDI member organization (there are general and associate seats) If you are interested please see the attached nomination letter and application. Please forward this email to consumer members, staff or directors of your organization whom you think would be interested and whom you can support as excellent board candidates.
Board_and_Committee_Nomination_Letter_2011.pdf
The Deadline for applications is November 25, 2011
2. Ontario Government Advises Flu Shot for Ontarians
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has a dedicated webpage including information on nearby flu shot clinics:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/news/release/2011/nov/nr_20111110_1.aspx
A list of all Ontario tax credits is available here:
http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/credit/index.html
Four of these credits have been combined and will be now given out on a monthly basis starting in July 2012 as the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/credit/otb/index.html
This column explains the financial problem that can be caused by changing a lump sum payment to a staggered one, especially for individuals and families on fixed incomes who file their income tax returns as early as possible to get a refund as soon as possible:
http://www.nugget.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3363888
4. Important News for OFCMHAP/Addictions Ontario Members
The following is excerpted from the November 15th version of the OFCMHAP E-bulletin:
The Board of Directors for Addictions Ontario and the Board of the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs have each selected four (4) representatives from among their elected Directors and Officers to form a special joint Task Force. This Task Force will undertake a process with an aim toward combining the resources, expertise and advocacy agendas of both our Associations into a whole new entity; one that is capable of delivering enhanced benefits to Members, expanding the scope of our community-of-practice, and elevating our level of influence with political decision-makers.
In a recent era that has been characterized by uncertainty and instability for our Members, we recognize that the collaboration between our two Associations has strengthened our ability to produce meaningful outcomes. We need to build on the successes we’ve shared in the past so that we may secure our role in shaping the future of Ontario’s healthcare system. Our combined Memberships represent the largest investment of public spending on mental health and addictions in the province; providing an incredible position of strength from which to negotiate meaningful outcomes that preserve our shared interests. United we can better achieve the respect for both our clients and treatment professionals, to which our Members Agencies aspire, individually and collectively.
We call upon our Associations to support a united mandate and welcome your feedback as we engage in this process. We will be sure to provide updated communications to keep you apprised of our progress. This is a time of optimism and renewed enthusiasm for all of us!
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Jon Thompson as president of the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Deborah Gatenby the president of Addictions Ontario (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
5. CLEONet Relaunched as http://www.yourlegalrights.on.ca
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) has revamped its online resource with a new name, easier navigation and greater use of social media. There is also an option to subscribe by e-mail bulletin for updates.
The website is http://www.yourlegalrights.on.ca.
6. CMHA National Knowledge Know-How Survey Directed to People with Lived Experience
CMHA National is collaborating with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to help consumers stay at work and build careers. They want to hear from individuals about their experience in the workforce and with disability benefits. The online questionnaire is here:
http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=1-60-3314&lang=1
7. Writers Wanted for “Mythbusters” Award
The Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation are looking for submissions for CHSRF Mythbusters, a series debunking widely-health care misconceptions in Canada. There is a cash reward, and the deadline is January 17, 2012. Full details on how to apply are available at:
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/Pages/MythbustersAward.aspx
Past articles are available at:
http://www.chsrf.ca/PublicationsAndResources/Mythbusters.aspx
8. CrossCurrents Online Survey on Nutrition and Mental Health Issues (repeat)
CrossCurrents, a national mental health and addiction magazine published by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, is doing an issue about nutrition and mental health issues. We invite you to answer a short survey to tell us what you think about the connection between mental health issues and food and what challenges you face in accessing healthy food. Please also feel free to circulate it to other consumers or people who could forward to consumers.
Please submit your answers by December 12. Your answers will remain anonymous. Here is the Survey Monkey link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7FF8CW9
Thank you for your time and input.
9. BC “Visions” Journal Issue Features Topic of Social Support
You can download the entire issue or read individual articles here:
http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/visions/ss
10. Anti-Bullying Online Resource
PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence) is a national network dedicated to stopping bullying. Their website has just launched:
http://prevnet.ca/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx
11. Hilary Weston Award (December 15, 2011 Deadline)
This Government of Ontario scholarship will be granted each year to two
students enrolled in a full-time graduate level social work program at a publicly funded university. Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to mental health issues, as well as outstanding scholastic achievements. Each successful applicant will receive a one-time award of $7,500. For more information, please see this link:
http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/citizenship/honours/hwa.shtml
12. Employment Opportunity at the Dream Team (Toronto)
Please find attached a job ad and job description for the permanent part-time position of outreach coordinator for the Dream Team. This posting can also be downloaded directly from Houselink:
http://www.houselink.on.ca/how-you-can-help/careers-at-houselink/
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If you have any ideas, contributions, or comments, please don’t hesitate to share them with us. E-mail (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). For those who would like to subscribe to this e-mail update, please e-mail (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Thanks for reading!
The Staff of OPDI
NewsToGo is OPDI’s e-mail update providing timely and meaningful information to its stakeholders. The ideas expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of OPDI. We welcome your submissions; please direct them to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Preference will be given to material which directly relates to OPDI member affiliates and issues of concern to consumer/survivors throughout Ontario. We reserve the right to edit the length and style of all materials submitted. The current and back issues of NewsToGo can be found at http://www.opdi.org.
OPDI NewsToGo issue #288 - November 4, 2011
1. Plain Language Brochures Explain Privacy and Consent Rights in Health Information
New Consumer Information Pamphlets around Privacy and Consent are now available through CCIM (Community Care Information Management). A third party researcher developed these user-friendly brochures to inform the public about their rights under PHIPA (Provincial Health Information Protection Act).
This easy-to-follow series answers the following commonly asked questions during the assessment and consent process discussions with consumers:
What are my privacy rights?
WhatAreMyPrivacyRights_Oct2011_v1.0_CMHCAP_.PDF
WhatAreMyPrivacyRights_v1.0_CMHCAP_FR_.PDF
What is in my file?
WhatIsInMyFile_Oct2011_v1.0_CMHCAP_.PDF
WhatIsInMyFile_Oct2011_v1.0_CMHCAP_FR_.PDF
Who might see my information?
WhoMightSeeMyInfo_Oct2011_v1.0_CMHCAP_.PDF
WhoMightSeeMyInfo_Oct2011_v1.0_CMHCAP_FR_.PDF
Why am I being asked these questions?
WhyAmIBeingAskedTheseQuestions_Oct2011_v1.0_CMHCAP_.PDF
WhyAmIBeingAskedTheseQuestions_v1.0_CMHCAP_FR_.PDF
Will you share my information?
WillYouShareMyInformation_Oct2011_v1.0_CMHCAP_.PDF
WillYouShareMyInformation_v1.0_CMHCAP_FR_.PDF
We have attached both English and French versions of these five brochures.
2. Ontario Narcotics Strategy Takes Effect
As of November 1st, the way in which the use, prescribing, and dispensing of controlled narcotics and other controlled substance medications comes into effect. Please check out this news story and visit the MOHLTC website for more information:
http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2011/10/31/18905206.html
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/drugs/ons/
3. MHCC Updates
The Mental Health Commission of Canada Peer Support Project recently issued a September 2011 update:
The Commission also has released a report assessing housing and related supports for persons living with mental health problems and illnesses:
Finally, this body has launched a public consultation for workplace safety beginning November 1st, 2011 to last for 60 days. You can find out more here:
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/Pages/Public_consultation_wmh.aspx
4. Mental Health and Racialized Youth Website (Resource)
“More than a Label, More than You can See” is a website that makes it easier for young people to find the help they need:
http://www.morethanalabel.acrossboundaries.ca/
A podcast with Dr. Kwame McKenzie provides more background on this resource:
http://www.cbc.ca/metromorning/episodes/2011/11/03/finding-appropriate-help/##
5. Mental Illness, Criminal Involvement and Deportation
This resource co-produced by the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario and the Community Legal Education Ontario looks at people with mental health issues and has tips on how to help clients who may be at risk of deportation because of their involvement in the criminal justice system. It is available as a PDF:
http://www.cleo.on.ca/english/pub/onpub/PDF/immigration/mentIll.pdf
Copies can be ordered online as well (scroll down to the Immigration and Refugee section):
http://www.cleo.on.ca/english/pub/order/submit/order.asp?l=1
6. Bob Rae Accepts CMHA Toronto Award
The interim federal Liberal Party leader has been open with his lived experience of depression, as well as speaking out against bullying and for taking action against teen suicide. The background news story and the acceptance speech follow:
http://www.liberal.ca/newsroom/blog/remarks-bob-rae-mental-health-public-service-award/
7. “Behind the Rhetoric: Mental Health Recovery in Ontario”
This book, written by Associate Professor Dr. Jennifer Poole has been recently launched:
Her book looks at how recovery has taken the mental health world by storm. In clinics, hospitals, community organizations and governments across North America and Europe, recovery rhetoric is everywhere. Its message of hope is catchy, its promise of wellness long overdue and its claims (somewhat) substantiated. But where did this new vision for mental health come from and what does it really mean for a system long unbalanced? Focusing on Ontario’s mental health communities, the book is the first to take a critical look at recovery’s talk and texts. Using Foucault’s analyses of discourse, it is also the first to go behind recovery’s rhetoric of hope and responsibility, re-theorizing mental health recovery in Canada.
The book is available through Fernwood Publishing:
http://www.fernwoodpublishing.ca/Behind-the-Rhetoric/
8. WRAP Training Available (Hamilton)
Mental Health Rights Coalition and partners are offering an intensive two-day WRAP training session. Please refer to the poster for more information. People with lived experience are welcome; so are staff who are also consumers. The course is free. For more information, please contact MHRC
WRAP_Training_November_2011_(2).pdf
9. CrossCurrents Online Survey on Nutrition and Mental Health Issues
CrossCurrents, a national mental health and addiction magazine published by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, is doing an issue about nutrition and mental health issues. We invite you to answer a short survey to tell us what you think about the connection between mental health issues and food and what challenges you face in accessing healthy food. Please also feel free to circulate it to other consumers or people who could forward to consumers.
Please submit your answers by December 12. Your answers will remain anonymous. Here is the Survey Monkey link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7FF8CW9
Thank you for your time and input.
10. CAST Canada Workshops
Upcoming workshops this month take place in Whitby (November 18th) and south-western Ontario (November 24th-25th). For more information, please go to this link:
11. CRCT Job Posting (Toronto)
We have enclosed this job posting for a Community Support Worker – Emergency Department Liaison for your information. Deadline to apply is November 14, 2011.
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If you have any ideas, contributions, or comments, please don’t hesitate to share them with us. E-mail (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). For those who would like to subscribe to this e-mail update, please e-mail (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Thanks for reading!
The Staff of OPDI
NewsToGo is OPDI’s e-mail update providing timely and meaningful information to its stakeholders. The ideas expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of OPDI. We welcome your submissions; please direct them to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Preference will be given to material which directly relates to OPDI member affiliates and issues of concern to consumer/survivors throughout Ontario. We reserve the right to edit the length and style of all materials submitted. The current and back issues of NewsToGo can be found at http://www.opdi.org.
OPDI NewsToGo Issue #287 - October 21, 2011
1. New Ontario Government Cabinet Unveiled
The announcement is posted on the Ontario website:
http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/team/defaultaefd.html
What’s noteworthy: the Ministry of Health Promotion has been absorbed into the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care (Deb Matthews stays on while former Health Promotions minister Margarett Best moves to Consumer Affairs) and John Milloy takes over as the new Community and Social Services Minister.
2. Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Alliance Update
The Alliance has thanked everyone who voted to make mental health and addictions an election priority and has released a summary of achievements:
http://www.vote4mha.ca/alliance-news/
3. Diabetes and Mental Health Peer Support Project Update
This two-year collaborative project bringing together partners including CMHA Ontario, OPDI, and PCSLL (Provincial Consumer/Survivor LHIN Leads) has much more information on its dedicated website, including the just-released second newsletter:
http://www.diabetesandmentalhealth.ca/peer-support/
4. Ontario Drug Treatment Funding Program Ontario Systems Projects
The DTFP Ontario Systems Projects was recently launched at a conference. The associated website now has posted two presentations from that event – one with more information on the individual projects, and the other reviewing the evaluation scheme:
http://ontariodtfp.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/dtfp_presentation_final1.pdf
http://ontariodtfp.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/sanjeev-sridharan-dtfp-launch.pdf
5. MHCC Releases Youth and Children’s Mental Health Newsletter
The Mental Health Commission of Canada’s newsletter can be retrieved at:
6. Canadian Harm Reduction Network Panel on the Omnibus Crime Bill
You wouldn’t expect the National Post to field a reporter to this Toronto event, or even expect the story that emerges:
In related media stories:
The CBC went to Texas to do an investigation of the consequence of investing in criminalization instead of resources for treatment and diversion:
Experts appearing before a House of Commons committee expressed their concerns with the proposed legislation:
http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1072055
7. Health Canada Warning on Antidepressant Citalopram (Celexa)
This antidepressant has been linked with abnormal heart rhythms. The news story has more information and includes the sidebar link to the Health Canada advisory:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2011/10/14/antidepressant-.html
8. Ontario Shores Launches Online Multimedia Youth Mental Health Education Program
The press release announcing this initiative is here.
http://www.ontarioshores.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=10379
The link to the educational curriculum with targeted resources can be accessed at:
http://www.ontarioshores.ca/education/highschoolandelementary/yourenotalone/
9. Ontario Works/ODSP New Rates Information Sheets
The Income Security Advocacy Clinic has provided information on the Ontario Works 1% increase (applicable December 1) and ODSP 1% increase (applicable November 1). This information is summarized in the attachments (available in English or French).
1_percent_increase_-_Nov_Dec_2011.pdf
1_percent_increase_-_Nov_Dec_2011_FINALfrench.pdf
10. Cash Awards for Toronto-Area Social Enterprises With Mental Health Equity Focus
Check out this link to find out if your organization meets the eligibility criteria:
http://knowledgex.camh.net/researchers/projects/semh/Pages/competition2011.aspx
11. The Leadership Project/INTAR Conference (November 3 – 4) Toronto (repeat)
We have attached the registration form and program for this highly anticipated conference. “Challenging Our Understanding of Psychosis and Exploring Alternatives for Recovery” takes place at Hart House at the University of Toronto campus.
INTAR_Leadership_2011_recovery_conf_Registration_Form.pdf
INTAR_Leadership_Recovery_Conf_Info_Registration_Pkg_Nov_3-4_2011.pdf
Please note the offer of a group registration rate that you can share with your colleagues. The group rate would be $750 for three registrations, saving $100 per registration. The same math would apply if four staff wanted to come - $1000, and so on.
And, in the event that there are peer support workers on staff they should know that the registration rate is $150.
For more information, please contact Brian McKinnon 416-285-7996, ex. 227
Full details on this event can be retrieved at:
http://understandingpsychosisexploringalternatives.wordpress.com/
Update: This podcast featuring speakers from the coming event discussing hearing voices will give you an idea of the programming for this conference.
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/2008/11/aim_20081108.mp3
12. Community-Based Rights Advisors Positions
These are two temporary five-month on-call positions and information on qualifications and how to apply are included in the accompanying file.
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If you have any ideas, contributions, or comments, please don’t hesitate to share them with us. E-mail (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). For those who would like to subscribe to this e-mail update, please e-mail (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Thanks for reading!
The Staff of OPDI
NewsToGo is OPDI’s e-mail update providing timely and meaningful information to its stakeholders. The ideas expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of OPDI. We welcome your submissions; please direct them to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Preference will be given to material which directly relates to OPDI member affiliates and issues of concern to consumer/survivors throughout Ontario. We reserve the right to edit the length and style of all materials submitted. The current and back issues of NewsToGo can be found at http://www.opdi.org.
OPDI NewsToGo Issue #286 - October 14, 2011
1. Supreme Court of Canada Upholds Insite Harm Reduction Program
The Supreme Court of Canada recently delivered a decision that prevents the Harper government from refusing Insite a special exemption to operate its clinic. Without this exemption Insite and its staff risked prosecution for possessing and trafficking in hard drugs. The Court’s decision means that the Insite safe injection site may remain open, and safe injection sites are free to operate in other cities that have a need for such harm reduction strategies.
The Government’s appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada and its subsequent decision will help remove impediments from creating supervised injection clinics in other cities where harm reduction approaches can relieve communities and individuals from some of the devastating medical and social impacts of addiction.
Here is a media account of the decision, and
We have differing reports of whether safe injection sites will be coming to Ontario:
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/09/30/injection-sites-not-in-provinces-plans
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/article/1062657—toronto-closer-to-getting-safe-injection-site
Quebec plans to create safe injection sites in Montreal and Quebec City:
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20111012/quebec-safe-injection-sites-111012/
2. Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Alliance Update
The Ontario election has come and gone. The Alliance requested responses from the four major political parties prior to the vote. The results have been posted online:
http://www.vote4mha.ca/the-parties-on-mha/
The Alliance is currently surveying how you personally took action to make mental health and addictions a priority:
3. Ontario Drug Treatment Funding Program Ontario Systems Projects
The DTFP Ontario Systems Projects have now been funded by the federal government and will be charged with implementation of evidence informed practice, strengthening evaluation and performance management, and linkage and exchange in the addictions sector.
There is now a dedicated website/blog dedicated to this initiative:
http://ontariodtfp.wordpress.com/
4. The Leadership Project/INTAR Conference (November 3 – 4) in Toronto
We have attached the registration form and program for this highly anticipated conference. “Challenging Our Understanding of Psychosis and Exploring Alternatives for Recovery” takes place at Hart House at the University of Toronto campus.
INTAR_Leadership_2011_recovery_conf_Registration_Form.pdf
INTAR_Leadership_Recovery_Conf_Info_Registration_Pkg_Nov_3-4_2011.pdf
Please note the offer of a group registration rate that you can share with your colleagues. The group rate would be $750 for three registrations, saving $100 per registration. The same math would apply if four staff wanted to come - $1000, and so on.
And, in the event that there are peer support workers on staff they should know that the registration rate is $150.
For more information, please contact Brian McKinnon 416-285-7996, ex. 227
Full details on this event can be retrieved at:
http://understandingpsychosisexploringalternatives.wordpress.com/
5. MHCC Releases Seniors’ Guidelines
The updated “Guidelines for Comprehensive Mental Health Services for Older Adults” features recommendations, service benchmarks, and many ideas to improve mental health care for Canada’s senior citizens.
The press release is available at:
Various versions of the publication are online:
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/Pages/MHCC_Seniors_Guidelines.aspx
6. Mental Health Advocates Concerned About Police Training
In light of another deadly altercation involving a person with a mental health history, the same talking points are raised in this story:
http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1068090—mental-health-advocates-find-police-training-inadequate
The incident referred to is described here:
http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1067140
7. Interagency Collaboration Improves Mental Health Care
In contrast to the previous item, this news story reports on a collaboration among 13 agencies including local police services, emergency departments, ambulance services, and diversion of clients from the justice system to assist individuals who are in crisis:
http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3322440
8. New Interactive Website Self-Assesses Depression Symptoms
As this is the month for mental health awareness, the launch of the following website is particularly apt:
http://www.depressionhurts.ca/en/default.aspx
Unique to this website is a self-testing questionnaire:
http://www.depressionhurts.ca/en/symptomchecklist.aspx
9. The Globe and Mail Focuses on Teen Suicide
The four-part series begins here, and hyperlinks to successive parts are embedded in the opening article:
In an op-ed article, a contributor raises the valid point that homophobia is a contributor to youth suicide:
10. Talking Therapy Can Ease Symptoms of Individuals Diagnosed with Schizophrenia
While the traditional therapy uses medications, this study tried using cognitive therapy with equal success:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/04/health/research/04schiz.html?ref=benedictcarey
A related editorial commenting on the findings urges that more research be devoted to this approach that relies on enhancing insight, reducing stigma, and coping strategies:
http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/archgenpsychiatry.2011.141
The downloadable PDF of the original peer-reviewed article is here:
11. Addiction Vaccine: Point and Counterpoint
The New York Times brought into the forelight an innovative scientific approach to addiction – the attempt to create a vaccine:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/04/health/04vaccine.html?ref=science
A more sobering perspective on what this means is available here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/04/health/04vaccine.html?ref=science
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If you have any ideas, contributions, or comments, please don’t hesitate to share them with us. E-mail (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). For those who would like to subscribe to this e-mail update, please e-mail (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Thanks for reading!
The Staff of OPDI
NewsToGo is OPDI’s e-mail update providing timely and meaningful information to its stakeholders. The ideas expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of OPDI. We welcome your submissions; please direct them to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Preference will be given to material which directly relates to OPDI member affiliates and issues of concern to consumer/survivors throughout Ontario. We reserve the right to edit the length and style of all materials submitted. The current and back issues of NewsToGo can be found at http://www.opdi.org.
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