Canadian Association of Social Work (CASW)
Canadian Association of Social Workers As a federation of nine provincial and one territorial social work organizations, the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) provides a national leadership role in strengthening and advancing the social work profession in Canada.
383 Parkdale Avenue, Suite 402
Ottawa (Ontario) K1Y 4R4
Tel.: (613) 729-6668
Fax. : (613) 729-9608
E-mail : casw@casw-acts.ca
For Immediate Release
October 8, 2008
Mental Illness: Much More to Do
In acknowledgement of both Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 5-11, 2008) and World Mental Health Day (October 10, 2008), the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) applauds the efforts of advocacy organizations, supports the work of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and calls upon the federal government for adequate financial investment in the mental health of people living in Canada.
Mental illness affects more than six million – or one in five – people in Canada. Despite its prevalence, there continue to be huge gaps in the funding necessary to treat and support people living with mental illness.
Mental illness is not given the priority that it has to have in the health system. “Given the prevalence of mental illness and its known impact on individuals, families, and communities, this discrepancy in funding is of grave concern to CASW and social workers across Canada,” states CASW President Veronica Marsman.
Social workers, based on their knowledge and experience, understand that effectively supporting people with mental illness and promoting good mental health go beyond treatment and medication. Social determinants of health, such as adequate income, adequate and supportive housing, and opportunity for meaningful, paid employment must also be met. According to social workers in the field, these needs are even more pressing as there is a continued movement of people with mental illness from institutions to communities, and some have little support beyond emergency shelters and food programs.
Of further concern is the continued stigma and discrimination, which persist even among health-care providers, faced by people suffering from mental illness.
CASW is encouraged by the expectation that the agenda of the Mental Health Commission of Canada will include, as part of Canada’s first national mental health strategy, strategies to change public attitudes, support people living with mental illness, and recognize the value of multidisciplinary teams. However, an effective strategy is contingent on adequate funding by all levels of government. CASW encourages those in power and those currently campaigning for leadership in this country to continue to commit to this investment in the mental health of Canadians.
************************************
Anxiety Disorders of British Columbia - Information & resources for adults, parents, children & youth.
B.C. Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (BCAMFT)
BC Association of Social Workers (BCASW)
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
B.C. Psychological Association
BCPA - Professional Development & Training Events
Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH)
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
CMHA - BC division
CounsellingBC.com
Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia
National Network for Mental Health (NNMH)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) program @ UBC.
************************************
Mental Health Meter
Work/Life Balance Quiz
Children's Mental Health
STRESS SELF-TEST RESOURCES & EXPERTS
No comments:
Post a Comment