Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division

As of today, grocery and big-box stores will join over 4,000 convenience stores across Ontario in selling a range of alcoholic beverages. Yet this expansion comes without a clear, comprehensive plan to address the serious health impacts associated with increased access. Each year, alcohol is responsible for 4,330 deaths, 22,009 hospitalizations, and 194,692 ER visits across Ontario. CMHA Ontario, along with a coalition of health and mental health organizations, has repeatedly called for a strategy that prioritizes the health and safety of our communities. Our requests have been met with silence. Learn more at how you can get involved at AlcoholAndHealth.ca

Today’s 2024 fall economic statement from the province missed a crucial part of Ontario’s infrastructure: the health and social services essential to community well-being. CMHA Ontario calls for immediate action on addressing the pressing needs in mental health and addictions. With a drug toxicity crisis claiming over seven lives each day, our community sector is stretched thin. Adequate funding and wage equity for community health workers are critical to meet Ontario's growing demand for mental health support.   We are prepared to work alongside the government to realize the shared vision outlined in the Roadmap to Wellness. We’re hopeful that the 2025 Budget will offer the resources needed to help us build a healthier, stronger Ontario.   Read the full statement here: https://lnkd.in/gXTRcNk2

We’re so proud of Your Health Space for their fantastic presentation at the #AFHTO2024 Conference earlier today. Our team shared insights from the Physician Well-Being Curriculum for Healthcare Leaders, a pilot project we launched earlier this year to help foster a culture of well-being in healthcare.   A huge shoutout to Senior Manager, Your Health Space Operations Ashley Kim BScN, MHA(CC) for representing CMHA Ontario and bringing our learnings to the stage. From the feedback and energy in the room, it’s clear this work is resonating and making a difference.

Looking to expand your programming with a meaningful, accessible activity? Help your community explore the mental and physical benefits of nature. Applications are now open to become a Mood Walks partner! Twice a year, we open applications for community organizations to integrate Mood Walks into their current program offerings, helping to promote inclusivity and accessibility where participants can thrive. Learn more and register here by November 25th: https://lnkd.in/g856a-3X

"Mental health and addiction challenges remain a primary concern for Ontario's aging population, especially for those with complex care needs. Fortunately, there are existing community mental health services for older adults which provide the education and supports that enable people to age well at home. "One example is the District Mental Health Services for Older Adults Program (DMHSOAP) at the Canadian Mental Health Association Fort Frances Branch, which promotes physical and mental wellness as well as offers effective tools to help people manage their mental health." Read more: https://lnkd.in/gnynqVbx

Join us on Tuesday, October 29, from 12-1 p.m. ET for the final webinar in our Caregiving at Home and Work series: "Balancing Work and Care". This session offers practical strategies and resources to help you juggle professional responsibilities with caregiving. Learn how to identify your needs, communicate effectively with employers, and access the right supports and benefits. Date: October 29 Time: 12-1 p.m. ET Location: Zoom (Link sent after registration) Cost: Free Don’t miss out on key strategies for achieving balance between work and caregiving. Register Now! https://lnkd.in/eR3rZHfp Find balance and support for your dual roles!

It’s been two weeks since we launched Someone's Someone alongside CMHA branches across Ontario, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the overwhelming support. We started to spark conversations that remind us those impacted by addiction are not just statistics. They are someone’s child, sibling, parent, or friend. They are someone’s someone. Maybe even yours.   Our campaign isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about humanizing the stories of those affected. We’re here to educate, change the narrative, and advocate for evidence-based policies. It’s time we stop seeing addiction as a reason to turn away, and instead see it as an opportunity to step up, offer support, and push for real change in our provincial systems.   This is only the beginning. The change we’re working toward can’t happen without all of us. So, we’re asking you to join us. Share these stories, spread the word, and if you know someone whose story deserves to be told, let us know. Together, we can create a future where everyone gets the care and compassion they deserve.   A heartfelt thank you to our CMHA branches in Ontario for standing with us and making this campaign possible. We couldn’t have done this without you. 💚 You are all #SomeonesSomeone   Follow along @SomeonesSomeone.ca on Instagram Song remix credit: YouTube/costcochain

Yesterday afternoon, in the heart of Gravenhurst, our CEO Camille Quenneville joined Canadian Mental Health Association, Muskoka-Parry Sound Executive Director Diane Brown-Demarco as their team marked a special milestone—the grand opening of CMHA Muskoka/Parry-Sound’s new office. This moment represents more than just a new space; it’s a beacon of hope for the community, a safe haven where mental health support will always be just a door away.   We’re so proud of the work being done here and the incredible team making it all possible. Together, we can continue to create spaces where every person feels seen, heard, and supported.

Despite the rising cost of living, Ontario's community health sector saw only a 1.53% average salary increase in 2023, while their peers in other sectors received increases up to 11%. Let's work together to close this wage gap. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gmUAQMd5 #ForUsForYou

"International agricultural workers are integral to Ontario’s agriculture industry and food supply, so it’s critical that this population has mental health support while they’re living and working in our province. Since 2022, CMHA’s team at Agriculture Wellness Ontario has been working to reduce mental health stigma and meet the needs of the agricultural community. We’re delighted to work with our branches to offer this new program for international agricultural workers." - Camille Quenneville (CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division) Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gXgvR3E2