NewsToGo
OPDI NewsToGo Issue #285 - September 23, 2011
1. OPDI Announces 2011 Winners of Lighthouse Awards to be Honoured at Dinner
“Peer Support is a Lighthouse of Caring Friends”. Please join us as we celebrate the following individuals for their achievements:
“Unsung Hero” – John Bowcott, North Bay
“Peer of the Year” – Theresa Claxton, Toronto
We are also pleased to recognize the following organizations in their work around mental health:
“Community Builders” – The Krasman Centre, York Region, South Simcoe County
“Innovators” – Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health
The dinner where recipients will be recognized and receive their Lighthouse Awards will be taking place at 6:00pm on Monday, October 3rd at the Novotel Hotel in North York. A limited number of tickets are available at $35. For more information, please see the attached poster.
2. Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Alliance: Please Write!
Now that the Ontario election is well underway, you are encouraged to access the website to write to the party leaders and ask them about their position on mental health and addiction issues:
We have attached the latest election update for your information,
Vote4MHA_Election_Update_3.pdf
3. Toronto Star Highlights Lack of Attention to Mental Health and Addictions in Provincial Campaign
We have hyperlinks to a news story that was followed by an editorial about the silence to date around mental health and addiction issues on the three leading parties’ platforms:
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/1055443—real-issue-for-election-campaign
4. Other Media Accounts Around Healthcare in the Ontario Election
In this article, the CEO of a youth mental health agency and a regional director of the SSO are interviewed and the glaring lack of clarity in the election party platforms is highlighted:
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3304337
This writer also makes the case that none of the three parties are being truthful about how they would deal with healthcare after the election:
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/business/Parties+skirting+details+they+would+manage+health+care+dollars/5419845/story.html
5. Excessive Use of Restraints Cited in Mental Health Settings
We want to share a media account and an executive summary of the actual study detailing why and how individuals in institutional settings are being restrained as part of their treatment. The finding that restraint is more frequently experienced in general hospital inpatient units seems surprising:
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Health/20110902/mental-health-restraints-110902/
http://secure.cihi.ca/cihiweb/products/Restraint_Use_and_Other_Control_Interventions_AIB_EN.pdf
6. André Picard of the Globe and Mail Speaks Out Against Peer Support
It has been a few weeks since the preliminary draft of the mental health strategy has been leaked. The Globe and Mail’s health reporter has a difference of opinion around a recovery-themed mental health strategy as proposed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. His take and the comments that follow make an interesting read:
The MHCC moved quickly to draft a response to Mr. Picard’s letter and posted it on its website:
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/September_2011/MHCC_Open_Letter_ENG.pdf
7. Mental Health Care Being Tested in Federal Correctional Settings
Two pilot programs to offer in-house care for individuals who are detained and with mental health issues are being tested:
8. How Frosh Week is About Mental Wellness These Days
Raising awareness of mental health is a priority for incoming new students at post-secondary campuses in September:
9. Collaboration between CMHA and CSIs Results in North East LHIN Warm Line
CMHA Sudbury/Manitoulin, NISA, and LERN (formerly NEON) are partnering to provide a multi-site, 365 days a year, 6 hours per day, warm line run by consumer/survivors for consumer/survivors. Here’s more:
http://www.sootoday.com/content/news/full_story.asp?StoryNumber=53700
10. LHIN Collaborative Releases Mental Health and Addictions Working Group Report
Transition of care has been a thorny issue among mental health and addictions service providers. The LHIN Collaborative, which is a working alliance of LHINs and representatives of provincial organizations, recently met, and have since drafted this report. It is available on the OFCMHAP (Federation) website:
http://www.ofcmhap.on.ca/node/524
11. Mood Disorders Society of Canada Online Survey
The Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) is conducting a survey that will help them improve their understanding of mental health concerns among Canadians living with mental illness, their family members or caregivers, and anyone concerned about the mental health system. Once completed, the MDSC will compile and forward these concerns to provincial, territorial and federal governments. The cutoff date for survey completion is September 30, 2011.
Please take the time to complete the 10 minute survey, which can be found at http://www.mooddisorderscanada.ca.
12. (CRCT – Toronto) Mental Health Promoter – Peer Focused Position
We found this position through Charity Village – the application deadline is September 23, 2011.
http://www.charityvillage.com/cvnet/viewlisting.aspx?id=239355&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 #284 - August 12, 2011
1. Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Alliance Newsletter
We have attached the PDF file of the first newsletter of the Alliance. Please read, click on the hyperlinks, and get involved!
Ontario_Mental_Health_and_Addictions_Alliance_Newsletter1.pdf
2. Reaction to Ministry’s Delay on PPAO Divestment
The Toronto Star’s Helen Henderson weighs in on the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care’s move to delay the divestment of PPAO to CMHA Ontario and to instead consult with stakeholders:
OPSEU, the Ontario public service union, reiterates its ask for the agency:
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2011/02/c8890.html
3. Ontario Study Reports High Rate of Readmission for Those With Depression
The report finds shortcomings in aftercare and risk factors that increases the risk of people returning to hospital or using emergency rooms. The press release is here, along with a couple of media stories:
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2011/03/c8898.html
4. Overqualified Immigrants at Risk for Mental Health Issues
The study explains that people who have come to the country with good education and find themselves in lesser jobs were particularly likely to experience depression, loneliness, and sadness:
5. How a Man Copes With “Hearing Voices”
It is interesting and noteworthy that the mainstream media (in this case the New York Times) has picked up on the subject of hearing voices in the context of coping with recovery in this feature:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/health/07lives.html?_r=1&ref=mentalhealthanddisorders
6. Mental Health Peer Worker Profiled
The news story mentions how this individual is reaching out to consumers in the Central LHIN and that the Mental Health Commission of Canada is reviewing this public education model:
http://www.yorkregion.com/news/article/1054763—man-battles-mental-health-stigma
7. Findings Show Quitting Smoking Affects Mood
A study out of CAMH has uncovered a link between nicotine withdrawal and a brain chemical – it causes sadness and therefore may explain why people find it hard to quit:
http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1033609—why-quitting-smoking-can-make-you-sad
8. University Students and Increased Demand for Mental Health Services
This article surveys several campuses and how there is greater awareness of individuals who are at risk, and what proactive initiatives are being taken:
http://www.brandonsun.com/lifestyles/breaking-news/127520888.html?thx=y
9. Physical Conditions That Mimic Psychiatric Symptoms
The original article in the Globe and Mail references an original interview in the Wall Street Journal (which includes a chart of psychological symptoms paired with physiological conditions); we have included both hyperlinks for your reference:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904480904576496271983911668.html
10. Coping With Extreme Heat
Mental health consumer/survivors on medications have to be particular alert when there is extremely hot weather. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care devotes a section of its website to this issue:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/emu/emerg_prep/et_heat.aspx
11. Mental Health Commission of Canada Annual Report 2010-2011
This interactive report “Together We Can” is now available online:
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/annualreport/
12. Musings About The Urban Environment and Mental Health
As this is the time of year when some lucky urban folks can escape away from the city, here’s a columnist’s take on what it means:
http://www.nowtoronto.com/news/story.cfm?content=182195
13. Video Game Used To Cope with Schizophrenia Symptoms
Scientists believe that memory, attention, and problem-solving deficits associated with this mental health diagnosis can be overcome in this unique way:
http://news.discovery.com/human/video-games-schizophrenia-110804.html
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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 #283 - July 29, 2011
1. Minister Matthews Puts PPAO Divestment on Hold
Following an outpouring of protest by a number of consumer and provider organizations, Minister Matthews has intervened to put on hold the proposed divestment of the Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office from MOHLTC to CMHA
Ontario. In the attached letter to OPDI Executive Director Deb Sherman, she promises a consultative process in the fall.
OPDI thanks the Minister for listening, hearing and acting, and looks forward to helping MOHLTC engage with stakeholders including psychiatric consumer/survivors to arrive at the best possible divestment scenario for a strong and independent PPAO.
Please find enclosed a copy of the letter for your information.
2. Ontario Coroner’s Youth Inquest Issues 71 Recommendations
The Gleb Alfyorov inquest findings and subsequent follow up by the Toronto Star shows that limited progress has been made three years after the incident:
http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1031240—teen-might-be-alive-if-other-inquests-had-been-heeded
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/1032457—teen-deaths-shame-us-all
3. Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Updates Mental Health Records Check Protocol
We have several news clippings detailing how new guidelines will limit disclosure of mental health histories when volunteers and potential employees undergo a police records check:
http://www.thestar.com/article/1030942—goar-rare-breakthrough-on-mental-health
Even the OPP will be following this new protocol, if this story is to be believed:
http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3229785
The official press release and a link to the document can be found here:
http://www.oacp.ca/upload5/news/OACP_Media_Release___Guideline_for_Police_Record_Checks_July2011.pdf
http://www.oacp.ca/upload5/news/GUIDELINES_FOR_RECORD_CHECKS___FINAL.pdf
OPDI was a member of the Mental Health Police Records Check Coalition. Kudos go out to former acting PPAO David Simpson, OAPC Chair Theresa Claxton, and Nicole Zahradnik (former CMHA Ontario liaison), among others, for their hard work in raising this issue and getting results after 7 years.
4. Globe and Mail Continues Mental Health and the Law Series
Four more articles have been published in the last week. Common themes include overflow of people who should be in mental health facilities and subsequently end up in jail cells and differing opinions on how the judicial system and the forensic mental health system think each other should deal with the problem:
5. New Photo Card Available to Ontarians as Official ID
For those individuals who do not have a driver’s licence, and are looking for a comparatively inexpensive official ID ($35 for five years), this provincial initiative may be the solution:
http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2011/07/new-photo-id-card-now-available.html
The following requirements for issuing the Photo Card are outlined on the hyperlinks on this webpage:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/photo-card.shtml
6. 2012 Provincial Rent Increase Guidelines Announcement
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs has declared that eligible dwellings may have allowable maximum rent increases of 3.1% without making an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board:
http://news.ontario.ca/mah/en/2011/07/2012-rent-increase-guideline-1.html
The criteria are more clearly described here:
http://news.ontario.ca/mah/en/2011/07/the-2012-rent-increase-guideline-1.html
At the same time, the governing Liberals are promising to “fix the legislation” that determines the increase after consultation:
7. Ontario Makes Two Smoking Cessation Drugs More Accessible
According to this news article, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will fund Champix and Zyban under the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan which means persons on OW and ODSP may be covered:
http://www.workinginmentalhealth.ca/forms/frmShowJob.aspx?REC=JOB&ID=2823
However, Health Canada has recently issued an advisory on Champix:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2011/2011_84-eng.php
In the United States, this same medication is called Chantix; a Google search was quite revealing in pointing out other side-effects.
8. ODSP Action Coalition On Social Assistance Review
The Coalition’s perspective has been published on a special website set up by the Income Security Advocacy Centre—it has proposed a human rights framework from which to reform social assistance:
The Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services has set up their own webpage for the commission that is undertaking the review:
http://www.socialassistancereview.ca/home
9. Making the Case for Shifting OW Recipients to ODSP
In light of Toronto’s budget debate, the City Service Review Group (a coalition of PARC, Woodgreen and the John Howard Society – three social service providers) have suggested that those without secure housing or in the correctional system could be diverted from Ontario Works to ODSP and therefore save the municipality up to $100 million.
10. Ontario Human Rights Commission E-Learning Course
The OHRC now offers an e-learning module on the Human Rights Code. You can access the webpage here:
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/hr101/index.html
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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 #282—July 22, 2011
1. Inquest into Teen’s Death at Ontario Correctional Facility
The final days of media coverage of this coroner’s inquest of a youth offender uncovers a lot of problems in this case:
http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1027925—better-treatment-for-mentally-ill-offenders-urged
http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1025192—nobody-cared-about-her-son-until-he-hanged-himself
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/1025775—system-failed-mentally-ill-teen
2. Ashley Smith and the Ontario Professions Review and Appeal Board
This body raised questions about the role that two physicians had to play in the correctional facility suicide of Ashley Smith:
3. Ontario Human Rights Commission Sets Sights on Mental Health in Annual Report
Commissioner Barbara Hall will emphasize a new mental health policy and best practices in human rights in the coming year. A news clipping and the press release can be found below:
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/resources/news/1011
4. Draft of National Mental Health Strategy Leaked
The recommendations are surprisingly progressive; the inspired leak of a report “Draft – Not for Circulation” to the National Post results in one attributed response from a family member, who worries about “deference to lived experience”:
http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/07/19/draft-report-calls-for-reduction-of-suicide-stigma/
5. Taking Antidepressants Increase Chances of Depression Relapse
This is the unnerving conclusion of a McMaster University study:
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/article/1027867—antidepressants-can-cause-relapse-study
6. Job Posting (Peer Support Specialist) at Ontario Shores
The link to the job ad is at:
The deadline is July 26th.
7. Job Postings (Peer Support Worker) at CAMH’s Schizophrenia Division
The job ad is viewable here and has a July 27th deadline:
http://www.workinginmentalhealth.ca/forms/frmShowJob.aspx?REC=JOB&ID=2823
8. The Value of Peer Respite Services (Webinar)
This webinar is offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration in the United States and is scheduled for Thursday, August 4 at 3 pm. Full details on enrolment are posted:
http://www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov/teleconferences/archive/training/teleconference08042011.aspx
9. Mindfreedom Presents Webinar on Helping Someone in Crisis
This webinar speaks from the consumer/survivor viewpoint of “going through a hard time”. You can register online at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/346270113
10. “Bathing Salts” that Create Extreme Psychosis
This emerging family of drugs is profiled in this story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/us/17salts.html
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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 #281 - July 8, 2011
1. Reaction to “Open Minds, Healthy Minds” Strateg from Legislative Committee Members
Kevin Flynn was the Chair of the Committee that produced the “Navigating the Journey from Recovery to Wellness” report. His comments are quoted in a local paper:
http://www.insidehalton.com/news/article/1036244—flynn-proud-of-work-done-by-mental-health-committee
Sylvia Jones was a PC MPP and a member of the all-party group:
http://www.orangeville.com/news/local/article/1038296—an-eye-on-mental-health-and-addictions
2. PWC Citizens Reference Panel on Ontario Healthcare
The “Open Minds, Healthy Minds” report was announced on the same day as the Price Waterhouse Cooper’s release of a consultation report done by a panel of 28 people. André Picard summarized it in his story:
Noteworthy among the 13 recommendations – focus on mental health and addictions.
3. Methadone Clinic in Parkdale (Update)
Here are follow up stories on the addictions facility that moved into a Toronto residential neighbourhood:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2011/07/09/methedone-clinic.html
4. Media Continues to Focus on LHINs (update)
NTG shared the first in a series of three Hamilton Spectator articles about the LHINs. They can all be found here:
http://www.thespec.com/topic/lhin
The Globe and Mail’s André Picard has another take:
Both the PC Party and the NDP promise to change the way that LHINs will operate in their election platforms. Here’s a defence of the status quo by the new chair of the Erie-St. Clair LHIN (and a former NDP health minister):
http://www.windsorstar.com/health/LHINs+bringing+more+accountability/5004710/story.html
5. Opioids Inquest Finds System at Fault
The inquest findings from Brockville are summarized here:
6. Ashley Smith Inquest Further Delayed
These two stories outline the problems behind getting the process started:
7. DSM-5 Psychiatric Manual Under the Microscope
Here’s a comprehensive feature on the upcoming diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association:
8. E-Toolkit for Social Media Users in Healthcare
This collaboration comes in the form of a guide to hot topics such as patient engagement, organizational reputation, privacy, and includes also a spreadsheet of current healthcare organizations on the web and on Twitter:
9. WRAP Declared a SAMHSA Best Practice
WRAP has been added to the searchable database of Evidence-Based Practices in the American National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. The founder of WRAP, Mary Ellen Copeland, adds in a note on her website what it means and also considers the misappropriation of her work:
http://www.mentalhealthrecovery.com/pdfs/MEC%20note.pdf
http://nrepp.samhsa.gov/ViewIntervention.aspx?id=208
10. Mandatory Screening for Mental Health Proposed
A world-wide survey of healthcare professionals makes the case for early intervention as a cost-effective measure:
11. Healthy Bacteria in Yogurt Linked to Good Mental Health
A study shows that “good” neurochemicals such as serotonin were present in the blood because they were created in the intestines:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/230552.php
12. Health Canada Advisory Warning for Valproate Drug
Valproate acid (known as Depakene or Epival) has had its warning upgraded by Health Canada. Children whose mothers took the medication may have lower IQ or cognitive development scores. The warning is posted at:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2011/2011_90-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.
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