NewsToGo
OPDI NewsToGo Issue #266: August 27, 2010
1. Select Committee Releases Final Report
The press release and report can be downloaded here:
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2010/26/c5036.html
http://www.ontla.on.ca/committee-proceedings/committee-reports/files_pdf/Select%20Report%20ENG.pdf
The report is also enclosed.
2. Ministers of Health and Long-Term Care and Children’s Services Joint Statement
The web link to the joint statement by Deb Matthews and Laurel Broten can be sourced at:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/news/release/2010/aug/nr_20100826_1.aspx
3. OPDI Press Release Responds to Select Committee Report
OPDI prepared a press release in response to the Final Report. We have included this attachment.
OPDI_08262010_PRESS_RELEASE.pdf
4. OPDI, CMHA, Ontario, and OFCMHAP Issue a Joint Press Release
We have included this document for your information.
SelectCommitterMediaReleasePDF.pdf
5. Media Citations
The following media citations were found:
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/853137—coyle-mental-health-crisis-has-arrived-say-mpps
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/854099—the-right-to-refuse-wellness#article
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/letters/article/853656—next-step-is-funding-for-mental-health
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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 #265 - August 20, 2010
1. OPDI Board of Directors Positions Available
OPDI seeks people with direct personal lived experience of a mental health and/or addiction issue to apply for a position on our Board of Directors. Three positions are available. We particularly encourage applications from people who can help strengthen our diversity by bringing any of the following attributes and experiences: francophone; remote community; addictions and harm reduction; legal issues and economic development. OPDI Board meets by teleconference bi-monthly and face to face twice a year. Please see application package attached. The deadline to apply is August 27, 2010.
Board_Nomination_Letter_2010.pdf
OPDI_Board__Committee_Membership_Application_2010.pdf
Committee_Purpose_Statements.pdf
Applicants must be a member in good standing of an OPDI member organization (see http://www.opdi.org for list).
2. OPDI Announces “Unsung Heroes” Award Nominations Open
A poster, brochure, and nomination form are enclosed for your attention.
3. MHCC Peer Support Project Consultations (repeat)
A new Peer Support Project has been launched by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. You are invited to check out the website page and to respond to a survey:
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/Pages/tellus.aspx
4. Peer Recovery Employment for Employment Project (repeat)
The Krasman Centre, Gerstein Centre, and Houselink are collaborating on this 4-year Ontario Trillium Foundation-funded project. Please read the official announcement and an accompanying flyer for full details about the information sessions and the application process. This program will cover the South Simcoe, York Region, and Greater Toronto Area.
5. Advocacy Groups Concerned about Special Diet Replacement Plan
This article reveals concern and scepticism in the field around the provincial government’s consultation process on a replacement to the Special Diet allowance for those on social assistance:
6. Mental Health and the Post-Secondary Student
An American study with Canadian commentary supports the plausibility of growing demand for mental health services on campuses:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/08/12/mental-illness-college.html
7. “Thriving in 2010 and Beyond”
CMHA is holding a national mental health conference entitled “Thriving in 2010 and Beyond”. It is taking place October 22 – 24 in London, Ontario, and is co-hosted by CMHA, Ontario and CMHA, London. It will bring together consumers, providers and academics to look at how to move from surviving to thriving. Minister Matthews and Kevin Flynn will be speaking along with Sheila Rogers, Louise Bradley (MHCC CEO) and many others.
For more information, please visit the website at:
8. PSR/RPS Canada Conference (Ottawa) – Early Registration Extended
The registration form and full program are available here:
http://www.innovative4you.com/psr2010/conference.htm
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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 #264 - August 13, 2010
1. OPDI Announces “Unsung Heroes” Award Nominations Open
A poster, brochure, and nomination form are enclosed for your attention.
2. Ontario Government Public Sector Wage Freeze Consultations
The broader public sector is facing a two-year wage freeze:
http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/ontariobudgets/2010/faq.html#100806
3. Provincial Ombudsman Finds Fault with LHINs Community Engagement
The report is here, and is followed by a media account:
http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/en.aspx
Another request for an inquiry by the Ombudsman has been made by a citizens’ group in the North East LHIN:
http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2703332
4. MHCC Peer Support Project Consultations
A new Peer Support Project has been launched by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. You are invited to check out the website page and to respond to a survey:
http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/Pages/tellus.aspx
5. Peer Recovery Education for Employment Project
The Krasman Centre, Gerstein Centre, and Houselink are collaborating on this 4-year Ontario Trillium Foundation-funded project. Please read the official announcement and an accompanying flyer for full details about the information sessions and the application process. This program will cover the South Simcoe, York Region, and Greater Toronto Area.
6. OFCMHAP Cultural Competency Survey (Deadline: August 16, 2010)
In early May 2010, the Embracing Cultural Competence in Mental Health and Addiction System position paper was sent out to the members of the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs (OFCMHAP).
The Embracing Cultural Competence in Mental Health and Addiction System position paper was developed by providers to address issues regarding the transforming demographics of Ontario, health equity as well as access issues facing many Ontarians trying to cope with addiction and/or mental illness.
This follow-up questionnaire will assist the Working Group to prioritize the tasks that needs to be done in order to assist and support the member organizations in their work on cultural competence.
To complete the survey, please go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NS828B3
7. Supportive Housing in the News
Here’s a media account of NIMBY-ism around a supportive housing residence for consumer/survivors:
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/843106—bitterness-surrounds-controversial-housing-project
8. Provincial Trans-health Project Seeks Advisory Committee Members
More information can be found here:
9. PSR/RPS Canada Conference (Ottawa) – Early Registration Extended
The registration form and full program are available here:
http://www.innovative4you.com/psr2010/conference.htm
10. Minimization of Restraint and Seclusion Conference (Toronto)
Please find attached the program and registration brochure for the 2nd Annual Mental Health Thought Leadership Forum: Mainstreaming Mental Health Care through Recovery: The Dialogue Continues on the Minimization of Restraint and Seclusion taking place September 23rd in Toronto.
Thought_Leadership_FINAL_Reg_Brochure_07-23-2010.pdf
http://nnmh.ca/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=Vrv4CMamRbw%3d&tabid=627&language=en-CA
12. Toronto Community Housing and Voices From the Street Program
Please find enclosed a flyer for trainees in a speakers’ bureau program. The application deadline is August 16, 2010.VFTS_TCH_Tenants_Speakers_Bureau_Info_Session_ApplicationInfo_(July_22_2010).pdf
13. “Stand Up for Mental Health” and the Workman Arts Program
The gala performance takes place Friday, August 20th at the current location on 651 Dufferin Street in Toronto. For full details, please view the attached poster.
smh-poster11x17_Toronto_(2).pdf
14. Penetanguishene Patient and Family Council Board Member Wanted
The recruitment information is enclosed.
Board_Member_RECRUITMENT-Flyer.pdf
15. Good Shepherd Non-Profit Homes Job Coach (Hamilton)
We have attached the job ad for your information. Please note that Peer Support Working training with MHRC (Mental Health Rights Coalition) or equivalent is required.
Job_Coach_Posting_August_2010.pdf
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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 #263 - July 16, 2010
1. Ontario Government Wants Public Sector Wage Freeze
Stay tuned for further developments – this could be an interesting summer:
2. Ontario Hospitals Face Deficits
According to this news report, the collective deficit among Ontario hospitals (more than one third of all facilities) is over $107 million dollars, with a disproportionate number in Northern Ontario. The article also points out to a lower base funding increase in the coming year as well as a new funding model that will cause more financial stress:
http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/07/18/ont-hospitals.html
3. “Creating Together” LGBT Consultation
The session takes place Monday, September 13th, 12 noon till 5pm, at the 519 Community Centre, 519 Church Street, Toronto. Please note that you must register if you wish to attend this event.
Please refer to the attached flyer for full information.
Creating_Together_LGBT_Consultation_Announcement.pdf
4. PSR/RPS Canada Conference (Ottawa) – Early Registration Extended
Sharing, learning and networking in Ottawa takes place on Monday, September 20th for the Institutes and Tuesday, September 21st thru to Thursday, September 23rd, 2010 for the conference. Early Bird registration has been extended to July 30th, 2010. The conference registration form is attached.
The conference is at the Ottawa Marriott, 100 Kent Street, Ottawa, Ontario.
Register_for_PSR_Conference.pdf
Contact Info:
PSR/RPS Canada
PO Box #13060
140 Holland Street West, Bradford, Ontario L3Z 2Y5
Phone: 1-866-655-8548
Fax: (705) 456-9786
Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
5. Mad Pride Week Review Article
The recent Mad Pride Week in Toronto resulted in a feature commentary in Metro newspaper:
http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/comment/article/581768—madness-brought-to-life-in-the-city
6. “Voices from the Street” Coordinator Featured in Toronto Star
The speakers’ bureau that is comprised of people with lived experience with poverty and/or mental health diagnoses received a boost in its public profile with the heartening story of the coordinator’s recovery story as profiled here:
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/837262—escaping-the-poverty-trap
7. Private Member’s Bill Seeks to Stop Funded Ontario ECT
Cheri DiNovo, Parkdale NDP MPP has put out a private member’s bill in the Ontario Legislature around the issue of electroshock. We have two stories on this:
http://www.canada.com/Stigmatized+treatment+helpful+older+people+with+depression/3270410/story.html
8. Systemic Review of Peer Delivered Services Literature 1989-2009 (Resource)
This newly available resource is an excellent “plain language” summation (with bibliographic references) of peer provided services. It is available online at:
http://drrk.bu.edu/research-syntheses/psychiatric-disabilities//peer-services
9. Dr. Kwame McKenzie Featured in “The Agenda With Steve Paikin”
The knowledgeable psychiatrist speaks out on various topics around diversity. The blog entry that links to streaming video from those shows is available here:
10. Helmut Braun Award (Waterloo Region – Deadline July 30th)—repeat
The Helmut Braun memorial award was established in 2001 in memory of Helmut Braun, a local social activist, community researcher and an advocate for the rights of people with mental health and other life struggles. The fund contributes to the cost of post-secondary education for a student pursuing studies in:
• Social justice, peace and conflict resolution
• Community development
• Cross-cultural issues
• Community research and social change
Awards will be given yearly to one or two students in need of financial assistance. Each award will range between $1000 - $2000. The deadline for this year is July 30, 2010. More information about the award and application process is available at:
http://www.communitybasedresearch.ca/Page/View/Yearly_Scholarship_Award.html
11. Schizophrenia Societies Key Message Survey (repeat)
The Schizophrenia Society of Canada Education and Advocacy Committee has created a survey on Common Key Messages. The results of this survey will help define the key messages of the Schizophrenia as a whole. Please circulate this throughout your network. Completing the survey on-line is ideal (fast and easy collection) but we are also including a PDF version. Please complete by July 15th 2010. However, feel free to print this out and ask for it to be returned by mail to Neasa Martin, 15 Wayland Ave. Toronto, ON M4E 3C6.
The survey link is: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ssckeymessagesurvey
Thank you in advance for your support on this important project.
12. Bloor Street Viaduct Barrier and Suicide Rates
When the barrier for the Bloor Street Viaduct in Toronto went up, it was because of the concern that it was a “suicide magnet”. There was an alternate belief that the money would be better spent on services instead. A new study has shed light on the issue:
13. Storytelling Workshop (Limited Registration for Toronto)
Please check out the enclosed flyer to learn how to share your recovery story.
14. Rainbow End Job Posting (Community Economic Development Program, Hamilton)
Please refer to the attached job ad for a Manager of Operations.
Manager_of_Operations_JD_(2).pdf
15. NNMH Executive Director Position (repeat)
The full job posting is attached.
16. George Brown Augmented Education Programs Info Sessions
The Construction Craft Worker Extended Training (CCWET) offers a session on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 in Room E326 at 12:30 pm, at the Casa Loma Campus (146 Kendal Avenue). Application Deadline: February 4, 2011.
The Assistant Cook Extended Training (ACET) offers a session on Thursday, August 12, 2010 in Room 538E at 1:00 pm, at the St. James Campus, 200 King Street E. Application Deadline is October 22, 2010.
Please RSVP at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call (416) 415-5000 x 6790.
Please give us your name, phone number, indicate which info session you’ll be attending and number of people attending.
Attendance to the information session is NOT mandatory
Augmented Education Programs
ST James Campus; 200 King ST E Room 576D Toronto, ON M5A3W8
Tel: (416) 415-5000 x 6790
Fax: (416) 415-2432
Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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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 #262 - July 9, 2010
1. Mental Health Peer Support Workers To Be Trained in Diabetes Prevention and Self-Management (repeat)
Please refer to the attached press release describing this project which is a collaboration of CMHA, Ontario Division, OPDI, and PCSLL (Provincial Consumer/Survivor LHIN Leads).
Diabetes_Prevention_Press_Release.pdf
2. “Creating Together” Officially Launched (repeat)
The Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Knowledge Exchange Network (OMHAKEN) is leading a province-wide consultation to co-create a research agenda for the next few years. Please view the enclosed press release for full details.
Creating_Together_Announcement.pdf
MP_2010_Poster_Draft_MPOCT_July_2010.pdf
SURVIVOR_SHOWCASE_POSTER_July_15_2010_(2).pdf
Mad_Pride_Week_listings_2010.pdf
4. News Story on Zyprexa Class Action Lawsuit
5. MHCC Update
The Mental Health Commission of Canada has published its Summer 2010 issue which is available online at:
6. Schizophrenia Societies Key Message Survey
The Schizophrenia Society of Canada Education and Advocacy Committee has created a survey on Common Key Messages. The results of this survey will help define the key messages of the Schizophrenia as a whole. Please circulate this throughout your network. Completing the survey on-line is ideal (fast and easy collection) but we are also including a PDF version. Please complete by July 15th 2010. However, feel free to print this out and ask for it
to be returned by mail to Neasa Martin, 15 Wayland Ave. Toronto, ON M4E 3C6.
The survey link is: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ssckeymessagesurvey
Thank you in advance for your support on this important project.
7. Vienna Declaration Calls for Scientific Evidence into Illicit Drug Policies
28 June 2010 [Vienna, Austria] – The International AIDS Society, the International Centre for Science in Drug Policy and the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS today launched a global drive for signatories to the Vienna Declaration, a statement seeking to improve community health and safety by calling for the incorporation of scientific evidence into illicit drug policies. The Vienna Declaration is the official declaration of the XVIII International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2010), the biennial meeting of more than 20,000 HIV professionals, taking place in Vienna, Austria from 18 to 23 July 2010.
The Vienna Declaration describes the known harms of conventional “war on drugs” approaches and states: “The criminalisation of illicit drug users is fuelling the HIV epidemic and has resulted in overwhelmingly negative health and social consequences. A full policy reorientation is needed. … Reorienting drug policies towards evidence-based approaches that respect, protect and fulfill human rights has the potential to reduce harms deriving from current policies and would allow for the redirection of the vast financial resources towards where they are needed most: implementing and evaluating evidence-based prevention, regulatory, treatment and harm reduction interventions.”
The Vienna Declaration calls on governments and international organizations, including the United Nations, to take a number of steps, including:
• Undertake a transparent review the effectiveness of current drug policies;
• Implement and evaluate a science-based public health approach to address the harms stemming from illicit drug use;
• Scale up evidence-based drug dependence treatment options;
• Abolish ineffective compulsory drug treatment centres that violate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and
• Unequivocally endorse and scale up funding for the drug treatment and harm reduction measures endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations.
The Declaration also calls for the meaningful involvement of people who use drugs in developing, monitoring and implementing services and policies that affect their lives.
Again, the web address for the Vienna Declaration is http://www.viennadeclaration.com/.
For a backgrounder on this topic, please refer to:
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/story_print.html?id=3210808&sponsor
8. Pat Capponi Blogs on the G20 Summit
Her two most recent entries can be found here:
http://thestar.blogs.com/yourcitymycity/author-pat-capponi/
9. Sandi Naiman Blogs with Dr. Grohol’s Psychcentral.com
Her latest entry deals with peer support:
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/coming-out-crazy/2010/06/i-need-you-part-two/#more-3076
10. Helmut Braun Award (Waterloo Region – Deadline July 30th)
The Helmut Braun memorial award was established in 2001 in memory of Helmut Braun, a local social activist, community researcher and an advocate for the rights of people with mental health and other life struggles. The fund contributes to the cost of post-secondary education for a student pursuing studies in:
• Social justice, peace and conflict resolution
• Community development
• Cross-cultural issues
• Community research and social change
Awards will be given yearly to one or two students in need of financial assistance. Each award will range between $1000 - $2000. The deadline for this year is July 30, 2010. More information about the award and application process is available at:
http://www.communitybasedresearch.ca/Page/View/Yearly_Scholarship_Award.html
11. National Network for Mental Health Executive Director Position
The full job posting is attached.
12. CRCT has Two Job Postings Available (Toronto Area)
Please see the attached ads for a housing support worker and an administrative assistant.
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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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