NewsToGo
OPDI NewsToGo Issue #192 - August 1, 2008
1. Mental Health and Addiction Partnership ER Strategy Brief Released
“Addressing Emergency Department Wait Times and Enhancing Access to Community Mental Health & Addictions Services and Supports” is a final draft of the joint submission that was submitted to former Minister of Health and Long-Term Care George Smitherman in May 2008. Consumer/survivors and stakeholder organizations will be interested in that peer support investments in warmlines and discharge planning figure among the five major recommendations for action. We have attached this for your information.
The Partnership is made up of Addictions Ontario, CAMH, CMHA Ontario, Ontario Association of Patient Councils, the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs, and OPDI.
Addressing_ER_and_System_Navigation_for_MHA_july_2008.pdf
2. MOHLTC Issues Notice of Aboriginal LHIN Regulations
According to the 2006 legislation, each LHIN is required to have an aboriginal advisory committee. The composition and role of these committees are found in the regulations; public comment is welcomed:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/transformation/lhin/reports/lhin_aboriginal_cer.pdf
3. PPAO Poverty Strategy Position Paper
Please find attached the Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office’s submission in response to the Ontario government’s call for input into an anti-poverty strategy.
4. Resource on Poverty and Health (Ontario Medical Review)
These five articles from the body of Ontario physicians show too their interest in this issue:
http://www.oma.org/Health/Poverty/index.asp
5. ARCH Disability Law Centre Survey on Tribunal Experiences (repeat)
The ARCH Disability Law Centre, a community legal aid clinic dedicated to defending and advancing the equality rights of persons with disabilities, is conducting an overview of the barriers for people with disabilities at Tribunals in Ontario.
If you had or are waiting to have a Hearing and/or Mediation at the Social Benefits Tribunal, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal or the Landlord and Tenant Board and you have a disability, we need you to tell us about your experience at the above Tribunals by completing our confidential survey. Your responses to questions in this survey will have a direct impact on making the justice system more accessible for people with disabilities.
We have attached the Word version of the survey with instructions attached.
confidential_survey_on_experience_of_people_with_disabilities_at_Tribunals_FINAL_WORD.doc
Alternately, to complete the survey, please go on-line to http://archdisabilityl.survey.sgizmo.com or phone Viktoria at ARCH Disability Law Centre Toll-free at 1-866-482-2724 or TTY at 1-866-482-2728.
6. Ottawa-Area Consumer/Survivor Community Resource Guide
The Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa have published their 2008 Community Guide. It’s free to consumers and $20 for agencies. You can find out more by accessing their website:
http://www.psychiatricsurvivors.org/static.php?page=resource
7. Sandy Naiman’s Mental Health Blog (update)
Sandy continues her look at the use of ECT and surgical interventions to attempt to alleviate the effects of depression:
http://thestar.blogs.com/mentalhealth/
8. Problem Gambling and Mood Disorders
A recent study has concluded that persons with mood disorders are at particular risk when it comes to problem gambling. A summary fact sheet and full report is available on the Mood Disorders Canada website.
You can locate this fact sheet on the Mood Disorders Canada website:
http://www.mooddisorderscanada.ca/docs/MDSC_Problem_Gambling_Mood_Disoders_May_08.pdf
9. Employment Opportunity: Champlain LHIN Peer Network Consultant
This job posting can be found here:
http://www.psychiatricsurvivors.org/cpn-job.doc
10. Mental Health Commission of Canada (update)
The revised website has new employment postings online:
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/employment-en.php
11. George Brown College Vocational Programs of Interest to MH Consumers
The Assistant Cook Extended Training and Construction Craft Worker Extended Training Programs were developed with the needs of mental health consumer/survivors in mind. You can access the links to find out about orientation sessions for 2008-2009 enrolment:
http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal/access/A744.aspx
http://www.georgebrown.ca/Marketing/FTCal/access/T693.aspx
12. Best Wishes to Pat Capponi
NewsToGo shares the sentiments expressed in the Consumer/Survivor Information Resource Centre’s newsletter, which has an update on Pat Capponi’s convalescence from quadruple heart bypass surgery by her sister Diana. We wish her a speedy and well-rested recovery.
The centerpiece of the postponed book launch, “The Corpse will Keep” has been widely released in mass paperback and can be found online here:
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/35/search?sc=Pat+Capponi&sf=Author
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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 #191 - July 25, 2008
1. MHCC to Establish National Mental Health Charitable Organization
The Globe and Mail has an exclusive story about this initiative, and there is reaction from stakeholders:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080725.KIRBY25/TPStory/National
Please note the entire special series on mental health by the G & M called “Breakdown” is available on their website and is regularly updated.
2. Changes to ODSP and OW Mean Loss of Back-to-School and Winter Clothing Benefits
Because of the new Ontario Child Benefit, these allowances are not separated out for ODSP and OW recipients. Advocates agree that it is unrealistic for families to be disciplined enough to reallocate money throughout the year for these necessities. The Income Security Advocacy Centre points out that only a few municipalities have decided to provide allowances for another year, and offer a toolkit to encourage your community to do the same:
http://www.cleonet.ca/news/824
For a sample story on how this situation is playing out, please check this link:
http://www.londontopic.ca/article.php?artid=10070
3. Journal of Ethics in Mental Health (New Issue and Conference Flyer)
You can visit http://www.jemh.ca to access the latest issue of this McMaster University-based online publication which is freely available.
We have attached also a conference flyer and registration form for the October 3 – 4 conference in Lakefield, Ontario.
JEMH is also looking for submissions for the next issue, especially from consumer/survivors and front-line staff. Please contact (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you need more information.
JEMH_Conference_Registration_Form_October_3-4_2008.pdf
4. June Recovery Conference Presentations Now Available Online
The Hart House event that attracted world-wide speakers offered many interesting choices of topics that required a time machine to fully appreciate. Thanks to one of the sponsoring organizations for therefore making available these resources online:
5. Mad Pride Toronto Report
We have attached Ruth Ruth’s account of what happened in the last week during these celebrations.
6. Sandy Naiman’s Mental Health Blog
You can find her views on the recent Mad Pride festivities and an entry on Deep Brain Stimulation (a form of psycho-surgery) here:
http://thestar.blogs.com/mentalhealth/
7. New York Times Resources on Anxiety and Bipolar Disorders
These features show how intently the mainstream media has been focusing on mental health:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/17/the-voices-of-bipolar-disorder/
http://health.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-anxiety-ess.html
8. Social Determinants of Health and Health Promotion Planning Resource
A second edition of the downloadable resource “Primer to Action: Social Determinants of Health” has been made available by Health Nexus (formerly known as the Ontario Prevention Clearinghouse) and the Ontario Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance. This is an updated resource for locating tools and the evidence base for connecting the social factors that affect health equity and lead to chronic illness. You can find in on the home webpage at:
http://www.healthnexus.ca/index_eng.php
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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 #190 - July 18, 2008
1. Mental Health Commission of Canada (Update)
The website has been updated and should be checked out. We have attached their inaugural newsletter for your information.
2. Review of Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)
The provincial Standing Committee on Public Policy will be holding hearings in Toronto August 28 to consider the review of this Act. The Committee will consider requests for oral presentations by Friday, August 8 at 5 pm. For more information, please click on this hyperlink:
3. Ontario Human Rights Commission Releases Report on Housing
The OHRC recently did a consultation on human rights and housing; here is their report:
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/resources/news/e_pr_housingconsultationreport
The background on NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) is particularly worthy of a quick read:
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/resources/news/e_bg5_housing-consultation-report
4. Op-Ed Piece about Poverty by Pat Capponi in Toronto Star
Pat writes about the hopeful expectations of those who have been energized by the recent hearings into poverty by the province:
http://www.thestar.com/article/461785
5. Deadline for Anti-Poverty Strategy Submissions Approaching
The Ontario Government will be accepting written submissions until the end of this month. The website is:
http://www.growingstronger.ca/en/index.html
Methods of sending in your comments include:
By writing:
Growing Stronger Together
Whitney Block, Room 4620
99 Wellesley Street West
Toronto, ON M7A 1A1
E-mail: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Telephone: Toll Free: 1-866-614-5953 TTY: 1-800-387-5559
Fax: (416) 314-0367
6. Continuing Care e-Health Newsletter Spring 2008 Issue Online
To access this informative ten-page newsletter on several initiatives that will impact the community mental health and addictions community, visit this website:
https://www.ehealthontario.ca/portal/server.pt
Click on the “Continuing Care e-Health” bar on the left-hand menu. The new web page will show “News” in a box on the right-hand side. Click this and then select “Spring 2008” to read the issue.
7. Resource on Certified Peer Support Specialists
Jason Katz and Dr. Mark Salzer from the Center for Mental Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania have made available a survey of 13 certified peer support training programs within the United States. This document can be found at:
http://www.upennrrtc.org/var/tool/file/33-Certified%20Peer%20Specialist%20Programs.pdf
8. Clifford Beers Foundation Conference in Toronto March 4 – 6, 2009
The foundation in collaboration with the Mental Health Commission of Canada will be bringing the “Expanding Our Horizons: Moving Mental Health and Wellness into the Mainstream” conference to Toronto. OPDI is a supporting organization of this event which is being held at the Toronto Metro Convention Centre. The website provides information on calls for papers and keynote speakers and can be accessed at:
http://www.toronto.cliffordbeersfoundation.co.uk/
9. Symposium on Building Equitable Mental Health and Addictions Partnerships
You can find a flyer, although the deadline for submitting a presentation has passed, here for the November 5 – 7 event in Toronto:
http://www.camh.net/News_events/CAMH_Events/bep_symposium_2008.html
10. Recent Warnings about Antipsychotic Medications and Persons with Dementia
The following news stories and press release may be of interest:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/health/24deme.html?ref=health
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01851.html
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/06/17/psych-drugs.html
11. Science in the News
a) Olanzapine (Zyprexa) Successfully Used to Treat Anorexia Nervosa
Last week, we reported to you about the class-action lawsuit in Canada because this drug supposed caused weight gain and diabetes, among other side-effects. Now here’s word of a study that shows how it helps people with a diagnosis of anorexia:
b) Pharmaceutical Company Sponsors User-Led Research into Recovery
A drug company invests in recovery in the UK:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/115136.php
c) British Politicians Fearful about Stigma (With Good Reason)
17% of MPs survey indicated that they had a mental health diagnosis; in Britain, if you are held under the Mental Health Act for more than six months, you lose your Parliamentary seat for life:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/115218.php
d) Forensic Patients with Tattoos – and what it means
This peer-reviewed study surprisingly made it to publication:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/114916.php
e) Why Watching Crime Shows Results in Weight Gain
The empirical evidence appears slim, however:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/114854.php
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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.
Issue #174 - March 14, 2008
1. LHINs and Hospital Deficits
LHINs are currently working with hospitals on their HAPS (Hospital Annual Planning Submissions). According to the LHIN legislation, hospitals are not allowed to have deficits. In some cases, cuts in services may result.
A search of Google News using the term “LHIN” will uncover many articles about hospitals that are facing serious financial issues. Interested readers may want to enter the name of their LHIN and find out if they are potentially affected.
2. Community Mental Health Common Assessment Project
Please find enclosed an announcement and the most recent newsletter from the folks at CMHCAP.
First Community Mental Health Assessment Announcement
CMHCAP Connections Winter 2008 Newsletter
3. Police Mental Health Record Checks in the News
A news summary of this important issue and an audio clip can be accessed here:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2008/03/12/background-checks.html
Remember, the last day to submit your comments to the draft policy of the Ontario Human Rights Commission is Monday,
March 24, 2008.
4. Ontario Budget 2008 is Tuesday, March 25, 2008
This budget will be watched closely to see if there will be any significant anti-poverty strategies included by the second-term Liberal government.
5. Federal Government Press Releases on Homelessness and Mental Health Funding
These press releases have been brought to our attention:
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2008/17/c4512.html
http://news.gc.ca/web/view/en/index.jsp?articleid=385159&categoryid=1&category=News+Releases
6. NIMBY Alive and Well in Brampton
Please find a full article and an edited newswire story about a proposed supportive housing development that is meeting neighbourhood opposition:
http://www.northpeel.com/news/article/45028
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/346397
7. A Robot Psychologist in the Future
No, it is not April Fool’s Day yet:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/100161.php
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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.
Issue #173 - March 7, 2008
1. OPDI Announces New Executive Director
The Ontario Peer Development Initiative (OPDI) is pleased to announce its successful completion of a search for a new Executive Director. Deborrah Sherman will be taking on her new responsibilities in early April 2008.
Deborrah Sherman comes to OPDI from her position as Executive Director of Mental Health Rights Coalition (MHRC), a consumer/survivor initiative in Hamilton. Ms. Sherman has had many years of experience in the mental health field, and had also been most recently the President of the Board of Directors of OPDI. Her organization also holds the CSI Network Lead role for the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant LHIN.
Please join us in welcoming Deb.
Sincerely,
OPDI Board of Directors
2. Ministry and LHINs Effectiveness Review – Going Forward
Please refer to the March 3, 3008 communiqué from the Assistant Deputy Minister, Transition regarding this initiative with
KPMG that will involve Ministry officials, all 14 LHINs and a sample of key stakeholders:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/transformation/lhin/effect_dfischer_20080305.pdf
3. ODSP Special Diet Allowance Challenge at the OHRC
We have attached hyperlinks to a press release and backgrounder from the Income Security Advocacy Centre on their filing of 77 complaints, with a related media story at:
http://www.incomesecurity.org/documents/
SpecialDietAllowanceHumanRightsComplaintPressReleaseMarch62008_001.pdf
http://www.incomesecurity.org/documents/
SpecialDietAllowanceHumanRightsComplaintsBackgrounderMarch62008_000.pdf
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/309918
4. Ontario Works and ODSP Back to School/Winter Clothing Allowance
The Income Security Advocacy Centre notes that as part of the changes coming in July 2008 with the implementation of the Ontario Child Benefit, these allowances will be spread out monthly instead of being paid twice during the year. This Action Alert highlights why this is not a good idea:
http://www.incomesecurity.org/documents/
BacktoSchoolandWinterClothingAllowances-Feb2008.pdf
5. ODSP Frontline Staff Holds Job Action
This news report points out the consequences of a shortage of staff upon ODSP clients who face delays and unmet needs:
http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=930780
6. Ontario Human Rights Commission Public Submissions on Mental Health Police Records Checks Due Tuesday, MARCH 24
This is a reminder that the deadline for individuals and organizations to respond to the OHRC draft policy on this important issue is coming up soon. You can review the draft policy and obtain the guidelines for sending your opinions at this webpage:
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/resources/news/mhprc
In a related media reference, David Simpson from the PPAO office is quoted in this article:
http://cgi.bowesonline.com/pedro.php?id=5&x=story&xid=382022
7. Another Profile of Mental Health Collaboration
The local Schizophrenia Society of Ontario chapter is sharing space with the Chatham Consumer and Family Network as seen here:
http://www.chathamdailynews.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=931828
8. Alberta’s Community Treatment Orders in the Spotlight
This story profiles the changes to Alberta’s Mental Health Act in the form of Bill 31 passed last year. It does a good job of gathering quotes from key figures and reviewing the key issues around legislated treatment, especially given the perceived lack of resources and human resources shortages:
http://gauntlet.ucalgary.ca/story/12227
9. Housing as A Social Determinant of Health
This article considers how choosing between city and suburbia for our home can have a direct impact on our mental health:
http://www.thestar.com/News/Ideas/article/326302
10. Alternative and Complementary Medicine Conference on Mental Health
This Toronto conference takes place between May 23 – 25 at the Sheraton Centre, and full details are available at:
http://www.camspecialistsconnect.com/Conferences/2008/
ICAM2008/ConferenceInfo.aspx
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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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