Ontario Division

In June of 1952, the Ontario Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association received its provincial charter and defined objectives which focused on: promoting community supported activities; engaging in public education campaigns; and developing preventive programs for children. At this time, there were local CMHA branches in Brampton, London and Owen Sound, and mental health committees in sixteen other Ontario communities.

In 1960, the Canadian Mental Health Association reviewed and developed an innovative plan for modern treatment of poor mental health. The publication of the epochal, "More for the Mind" lead to the development of smaller psychiatric hospitals and community clinics. By the end of the 1960's, a program of social and political action was fully implemented, and public and professional education of mental health through very well-conceived programs and conferences was under way.

The Association experienced a rejuvenated community orientation in the 1970's in combination with its concern for mental health of all people in the community. In 1974, the CMHA introduced a three-year program entitled "Community Action for Troubled People", which was designed to train volunteers and community leaders in the techniques of mobilizing action.

In 1976, the Ontario Ministry of Health funded the Community Mental Health Consultants Program for CMHA Ontario Division, funding which remains to this day a substantial portion of Ontario Division's overall funding.

In the early 1980's, three areas were identified by the National Board as critical in determining the direction of the Association. These were: psychiatric patient advocacy, integration of community resources, and the exploration of unemployment as a stress factor that could impact negatively on an individual as well as on the family.

In 1982, the Association launched the Mental Health and the Workplace project to: promote mental health through the workplace; help identified employees receive the support necessary to maintain their employment; and help former psychiatric patients obtain and maintain real employment. This ongoing project involves active research conducted in pilot communities across Canada.

Increased public awareness and emphasis on community care and self-help were achieved through the 1984 publications of "A Framework for Support for People with Severe Disabilities" and "Work and Well-Being". The latter included a report on the findings of Phase I of the Mental Health and the Workplace project and initiated Phase II of the Project which entailed designing a national community action model.

In the 1990's, the Canadian Mental Health Association continues to support the formation of self-help groups, and strives toward maximum community involvement for individuals in the provision of mental health services, enhanced public understanding of mental illness and greater advocacy to protect the rights and freedoms of the individual. The Association has also placed an increasing emphasis on involvement by consumers of mental health services at all levels of the Association. In addition to encouraging consumers to participate on boards of directors, committees, and a variety of groups, creative ways are being sought to open up opportunities for their influence on decisions regarding their health care.

For further information visit the Ontario Division website ontario.cmha.ca