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Why The Canadian Mental Health Association Is AWESOME!

By Mike Veny


In 2013, I had the honor of speaking at a youth mental health summit for the Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) Halton-Region Branch. I also facilitated an interactive team building event (drumming) with the staff during Mental Health Week (the first week in May). Through working with this incredible organization, I learned so much about the state of mental health in Canada, the philosophy of the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the different branches.

Here are the facts: 20% of Canadians will confront a mental illness in their lifetime, 8% will battle depression, and 1% will experience "manic depression" (bipolar disorder). The CMHA says that "The economic cost of mental illnesses in Canada for the health care system was estimated to be at least $7.9 billion in 1998 - $4.7 billion in care, and $3.2 billion in disability and early death." In addition, "Mental illness is increasingly threatening the lives of our children; with Canada's youth suicide rate the third highest in the industrialized world."

Known as organization that walks it's talk, the Canadian Mental Health Association supports recovery and resiliency through advocacy, education, research, and service. The CMHA was founded in 1918 and is one of the oldest charities in Canada. On average, the CMHA serves 100,000 people in 120 communities throughout Canada with 10,000 dedicated volunteers.

The Canadian Mental Health Association has a variety of branches throughout Canada. Each one serves the unique needs of the particular community that it's located in, has it's own Board of Directors, and it's own unique funding sources. Basically, each branch is it's own separate legal entity. Some of the more popular branches are located in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Ontario, Winnipeg, BC, Peel, Hamilton, Kitchener, Vancouver, Niagra, Barrie, Durham, London, Sudbury, Kelowna, and York Region.

As a neighbor of Canada, I am 100% in support of the work of the Canadian Mental Health Association. I look forward to new developments that the CMHA takes to end stigma and help people with mental illness. I care about my neighbor.




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