Until recently, Canada was the only advanced industrial country without a national strategy or plan on mental health. According to the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH), at least one in five Canadians will be affected by a mental illness each year, a fact that is estimated to cost the economy about $51 billion dollars annually. After years of consultations and hard work by those living with mental health problems and illnesses, families, communities, researchers and health providers, the country has finally developed a proper health strategy thanks to the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
"Mental illness and mental health have been neglected in Canada for far too long," CAMIMH co-chair John Higenbottam said in a press release. "The release of the strategy today is only the first step. The second step will be for governments to adequately fund and implement the strategy."
With more research, time and effort put into the care given to mental health issues and illnesses, experts believe the country will benefit from a coordinated national strategy. CAMIMH encourages all Canadians to review the strategy and commit to making changes occur.
To become a part of the initiative to support people with mental health illnesses, students can enroll in the Addictions and Community Services Worker program at Vancouver Career College. For more information, fill out the form on the right.