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CMHA Alberta Division

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Working Stronger Conference Registration NOW OPEN!

Working Stronger

Registration is now LIVE for the 2018 workplace mental health conference

On September 17-18, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division is hosting a workplace conference designed to improve mental health outcomes in Alberta workplaces. The conference is two days of networking, information exchange and dialogue that will advance efforts to support healthier workplaces across the province.

WORKING STRONGER brings together creative and inspiring mental health thinkers and leaders to share collective wisdom through keynote speakers, workshops, panels, presentations, training opportunities, and exhibits.

If you want to become a champion for workplace mental health in Alberta, this conference is for YOU! Find full conference details HERE.

Register before July 31 — $500
Register after July 31 — $600

 

If you have any questions, please contact Sherry Sim / sherry@innovative4you.com

Celebrity suicide deaths – preventing “contagion”

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By the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Centre for Suicide Prevention

In our culture, we are mostly silent about suicide. But when celebrities die by suicide – as Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain did last week, the issue becomes front-page news. Anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide can attest to its utter devastation. This devastation becomes widespread when famous people die, as evidenced by the waves of social media posts and tributes to Spade and Bourdain. We try to make sense of celebrity suicides and we turn to the media for details. Robin Williams’ death in 2014 was widely publicized, and when Marilyn Monroe died in 1962, her death was glamorized in the media, including details of the method. The deaths of these two famous people led to an increase in suicides. That’s because sensational reporting can create “contagion,” where the suicide becomes the tipping point for people who are already at-risk.

On the other hand, responsible media portrayals can reduce this contagion. Following Kurt Cobain’s suicide in 1994, his partner, Courtney Love, gave a public statement encouraging people to seek help, and she did not release photos of the scene. The media worked together with her for more sensitive coverage.

Responsible media coverage of Spade and Bourdain’s deaths can help erode the silence about suicide and encourage thoughtful conversation.

Of course, it’s not only celebrities who are dying by suicide. 12 Canadians die by suicide every day. Suicide is caused by deep, psychological pain. Whether we are trying to comprehend a celebrity suicide, or that of someone close, the belief that one “big, bad thing” thing causes a person to die by suicide is inaccurate and harmful.  Most people get to that place of hopelessness after struggling internally for a prolonged period of time, and not because of a single life event. It is a struggle that may come with warning signs including a marked change in behaviour, references to suicide and giving away possessions. We can help by sitting with those who are struggling, and by listening without trying to offer solutions. If you see the signs, you can ask directly, ‘Are you thinking of suicide?’ If the answer is yes, sit with them, and listen to them. Remain calm, open and non-judgmental and then connect them to help by calling Crisis Services Canada at 1-833-456-4566.

 

If you are in crisis, call 1-833-456-4566, text 45645 or chat at crisisservicescanada.ca. First Nations people and Inuit can also call 1-855-242-3310 or chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

To learn more about suicide prevention, visit Centre for Suicide Prevention at www.suicideinfo.ca.

Holiday Greetings!

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CMHA Alberta Division wishes  you a season filled with warmth, comfort and great mental health! Read our 2017 newsletter by clicking on it below.

Call For Presenters

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In June 2018, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division is hosting Now We Are Stronger – A Provincial Conference Advancing Community Mental Health. The conference is two days of information exchange and dialogue that will advance the work in our dynamic fields. It brings together the most creative and inspiring mental health thinkers and leaders in the field.

The conference – June 4 and 5, 2018 in Edmonton– will feature keynote speakers, workshops, panels, presentations, training opportunities and exhibits.

This conference is ideally suited to individuals and organizations from Alberta focusing on mental health and mental illness.

This conference is offering a robust and stimulating program of keynote speakers, presentations, panel discussions and excellent networking opportunities. The program, featuring keynote speakers, will showcase indigenous mental health, rural and remote community mental health and child, youth and family mental health. Delegates will have the opportunity to choose from many carefully curated workshops.

Conference presenters are encouraged to weave other topics of interest into these three streams, such as: voice of lived experience, addictions, specific diagnosis, LGBTQ, seniors and caregiving.

STREAMS

INDIGENOUS MENTAL HEALTH
Sessions within this stream will:

  • Showcase successful or emerging programs being offered across the province that support the mental well-being of Alberta’s indigenous population. Discussions of challenges, successes and learnings will be helpful to participants’ learning experiences.
  • Discuss factors and issues important to the successful support of the mental health of our indigenous population – what challenges are being faced and what helps mitigate those challenges.

Session attendees will come away with an understanding of indigenous mental health experiences and what Alberta’s community mental health service providers, advocates, family and friends can do to support improved mental health in the indigenous population.

RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH
Generally, accessing addiction and mental health services is challenging, especially in rural and remote areas. In many cases real or perceived barriers and lack of knowledge often limit access to services and supports needed by individuals and families impacted by mental illness and addiction.

Knowledge of and access to services, equity in service delivery, promotion of mental health, prevention of mental illness and general education related to mental wellness are all factors which build community capacity.

Sessions in this stream should draw on the experiences of rural and remote communities, identify systemic issues and recognize local resources. The goal is to create better pathways for rural communities to access existing mental health and addictions services and forge new community based opportunities.

CHILD, YOUTH AND FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH
Families are impacted by mental health concerns every day in Alberta. There are specific challenges and barriers faced by children, youth and families within the current mental health system.

Session attendees should come away with an understanding of child, youth and family mental health experience, learn how to successfully engage with this demographic, and develop knowledge of new and emerging supports available to young Albertans and their families. This stream will provide practical strategies for engagement and inclusion that have worked for others in Alberta.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

Online Submission Link: www.innovative4youevents.com/cmhanwas2018.htm

Download the PDF call for abstracts HERE

SUBMITTING YOUR ABSTRACT 
Complete the following information:

  • Identify the stream and area of interest.
  • Title of Presentation (relevant to submission/focus of your presentation.)
  • Educational Objectives.
  • Name(s) of presenter(s) as you would like them to appear in the conference program.
  • Identify format: 30, 60 or 90-minute Concurrent Session or Poster Presentation.
  • Key Contact Information (address, email and telephone number.)
  • Biography of each presenter (50 words or less.)
  • Abstract suitable for inclusion in the conference program (sales pitch/description of your presentation.)
  • Key-points that will be in your PowerPoints or an outline of your presentation.
  • Presentation method details (also include audio/visual equipment required, room set up preference, etc.)

All submissions will be evaluated using the following criteria:

  • Relevance to the conference theme.
  • Clarity and coherence of the submission.
  • Contribution of knowledge, expertise or best practices.
  • Relevance and utility to participants.
  • Evidence that submission will encourage interaction among conference participants.
  • Key points of presentation and evidence of “participant take-away”.

ACCEPTANCE AS A PRESENTER

Please note: Presenters must be paid registrants. Honoraria and travel reimbursement are not available.

An electronic version of the presentation must be submitted to the event manager shortly before the conference for posting to the CMHA Alberta website and to pre-load at the conference.

Presenters will be provided with a designated time to present by the conference committee.

Presenter(s) may submit multiple abstracts for the conference

Deadlines:
Call for Abstracts Opens: November 27th, 2017
Abstract Submission Deadline: January 26, 2017
Results Notification: February 12th, 2017

We look forward to receiving your abstract submission!

For any questions regarding the abstract submission process, please contact:
Sherry Sim, Event Manager
Innovative Business Solutions
Telephone: 1.866.655.8548
Fax: 705.456.9786
Email: sherry@innovative4you.com

Healthy Campus Alberta Update

FREE TRAINING-

Healthy Campus Alberta has a NEW WEBSITE! 

Indigenous Grant Applications:  If your campus is interested in applying for an Indigenous Grant through Advanced Education, you will find two documents with guidelines and an application form to begin the process.

Preparing for the Legalization of Marijuana: In preparation for the future legalization of marijuana and the potential campus impact, here are several documents to help inform your campus conversations. These documents were passed along by individuals and campuses within HCA.

Advanced Education Grant Proposals: If you are in the process of completing your Advanced Education Grant Proposal, below are two documents I received from Advanced Education to clarify questions you might have. This fall HCA will look for opportunities to create connections among campuses related to the grant process and reporting. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can meaningfully support you and your campus.

Webinar Topics:  What topics would you like to see in our schedule?  Let us know what you are talking about on your campus. Please email Danielle Stewart-Smith (danielle.stewart@ucalgary.ca).

 

CMHA Position on Bill C-14 on medical assistance in dying (MAiD)

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With the passing of Bill C-14, the Canadian Mental Health Association raises concern regarding the criteria eligibility of mental illnesses for medical assistance in dying (MAiD). Specifically, CMHA holds the position that MAiD for psychiatric patients should remain illegal.

CMHA asserts that recovery from mental illnesses is possible.

CMHA has made the following recommendations to the Canadian government:

  1. Support recovery by ensuring that recovery-oriented practices, or ones that place the patient at the centre of care, are implemented within our mental health and addictions system.
  2. Continue to invest in community mental health and addictions services and supports.
    i. Mental health services are not currently resourced or respected on par with services for physical illnesses.
  3. Develop and fund the implementation of a national suicide prevention strategy.
  4. Invest in research to better understand mental illnesses and the interventions that work best.

These recommendations root in three core beliefs at CMHA National:

  1. Belief in recovery
    CMHA believes that recovery from a mental health problem or illness is expected and likely when people get the help they need, where and when they need it. With the right services and support, recovery is not only possible, but expected.
  2. Loss of hope
    Were a medical professional agree to MAiD for a patient solely suffering from psychiatric illness, this could contribute to the patient’s loss of hope. Psychiatric patients often look to their psychiatrist or medical practitioner for answers, and if death, rather than recovery, is considered a medically-viable option, the resulting lack of hope may cost them their lives.
  3. Non-discrimination
    Non-discrimination means that a patient with irremediable and grievous physical illness should not be denied access to MAiD due to a co-occurring mental illness. That is to say, having a mental illness should not disqualify a person from accessing MAiD if they meet the criteria.

CMHA’s position on Bill C-14 and MAiD is based on the analysis of existing policies in countries such as Belgium and Netherlands. These policies are inclusive of psychiatric euthanasia and assisted suicide (EAS), and have resulted in increases in requests for psychiatric-EAS. CMHA suggests that we must be careful to avoid the use of MAiD as a substitute for treatment and supports. Overall, CMHA’s position on medical assistance in dying in Canada, is that people with a mental health problem or illness should be assisted to live and thrive.

Healthy Campus Alberta joins with The Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division

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Healthy Campus Alberta joins with The Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division

“For too many post-secondary students mental illness continues to be a challenge…our government wants to make sure reliable supports are available to students right across our province.” – Brandy Payne

Post-secondary student mental well being is linked to academic achievement, learning, retention and future success. Today the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division is pleased to welcome Healthy Campus Alberta (HCA), Alberta’s post-secondary community of practice as a named project within the CMHA Alberta Division family.

The CMHA Alberta Division Board of Directors has recognized HCA’s alignment and activity with the values and practices of CMHA on a provincial scope. The nine CMHA Alberta regional offices are all located in communities with post-secondary institutions. There are currently 26 post-secondary campuses in Alberta.

Yesterday at HCA’s Student Health Summit, the Government of Alberta announced the next steps to ensuring Alberta’s post-secondary institutions will be able to promote positive mental health and well-being, so students are prepared for success. The seven action items were informed by the work of the Post-Secondary Mental Health Advisory Panel, an advisory group which included students, faculty, the Government of Alberta and community-based supports including CMHA.

Included in the GOA’s announcement is a commitment of $8.9 million dollars overall to continue and advance mental health support on post-secondary campuses. Associate Minister of Health, Brandy Payne, and Minister of Advanced Education, Marlin Schmidt, announced the establishment of consistent funding for the Healthy Campus Alberta community of practice.Through this funding and six other action items, students will benefit from consistent approaches and a strengthened post-secondary mental health system.

The Canadian Mental Health Association is grateful to the Ministry of Advanced Education and the Ministry of Health for their investment in the mental health and well-being of Alberta’s students.

For more information please contact:

David Grauwiler
Executive Director
Phone: (780) 482-6577
Email: executivedirector@cmha.ab.ca

Related Links:

 

Urgent appeal to Canadians: A CMHA Mental Health Fund for Fort McMurray

Alberta Strong
Wildfires are not uncommon in our country. But this one is. As you know, the scale of the disaster in Fort McMurray is unprecedented.

CMHA has created the CMHA Fort McMurray Mental Health Fund (www.cmha.ca/fortmcmurrayfund), in response to the fires that have devastated that community. Canadians have already generously supported disaster relief for the people of Fort McMurray. We are asking you to please give again, this time for mental health.

The stress and trauma caused by the fires has been intense for the adults and children of Fort McMurray. So many fled with the fires at their backs. Thousands were evacuated and displaced. Many have lost their homes and businesses.

Once it is safe to return, people will start putting their lives back together. Just as bricks and mortar are key to rebuilding, so are mental health services. With your help, the CMHA Fort McMurray Mental Health Fund will ensure that the community receives the mental health services it needs.

CMHA’s Fort McMurray Region (also known as CMHA Wood Buffalo Region) has provided mental health supports, programs and services to the community for over 20 years and helps thousands of people every year.

The local CMHA branch staff, who were themselves evacuated and displaced, are anxious to return to the community to help. The anticipated mental health needs are immense.

As Jane Barter, local CMHA Executive Director, said:

“Even though the fire is out, people are still going to be dealing with the traumatic event. Thousands and thousands of people who went through this will be in crisis, whether they lost their homes or not. The crisis isn’t over. It’s just beginning. “

Barter added: “We have to pull together with the provincial government and local agencies to deal with the mental health fallout.” CMHA has been asked to join an Emergency Working Group to plan for a concerted mental health response.

CMHA is 10,000 people strong. We have more than 100 branches across the country. We also have a remarkable history – nearly 100 years – as leaders in mental health in Canada. We are now leading the way to ensure that the residents of Fort McMurray receive the mental health support and services they need to rebuild their lives.

Please give generously.

Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!

 

Celebrate Mental Health Week with us!

Mixed race college student working on laptop at campusThis week (May 2-8) is Mental Health Week. There’s no missing it this year, because Canadians are GETTING LOUD for Mental Health. We are raising our voices to build awareness and support – for someone at work; for someone at home; for ourselves. And we are going to be heard from coast to coast to coast.

What does it mean to GET LOUD for Mental Health?
Think of “getting loud” as one big public address system – a giant loud speaker – calling out to end discrimination and stigma and shame.

We’ve also packaged up some great GET LOUD ideas in our GET LOUD TOOLKIT.  Unpacking it is easy. Click to download the information. Upload the images. Share it with your friends, both online and off. Check it out at mentalhealthweek.ca.

Even if we don’t struggle with our own mental health, we all know – and often, love – someone who’s affected.  Let’s make sure that people stop feeling shame due to mental illness. Let’s make sure they don’t think twice about getting the support and help they need.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Alberta is your connection to community mental health support.

With your support, we positively impact thousands of lives – whether individuals are seeking urgent mental health supports, housing, family support or simply looking to take control of whatever is going on in their lives.

Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!

Mental Health Week 2016

Get Loud for CMHA’s 65th Annual Mental Health Week

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CMHA’s 65th Annual Mental Health Week is fast approaching (May 2-8). And again this year, CMHA is asking Canadians to GET LOUD for mental health!

Getting loud means speaking up to stop the discrimination and the stigma that usually go hand in hand with mental illness. It means using your voice to raise awareness and build support. For someone at work. For someone at home. For yourself.

This year, we’re not just getting loud. We’re also wearing green in support of positive mental health.

Join us. Tell everyone to #GETLOUD May 2-8.

GET LOUD to maintain positive mental health. GET LOUD to get it back.

Because the louder we all get, the bigger difference we will make. And there’s a lot of difference to be made.

Check CMHA’s Mental Health Week website frequently in the coming months for updates and campaign information.

About Mental Health Week

CMHA introduced Mental Health Week (MHW) in 1951 to raise awareness of mental illness in Canada. Today, MHW offers practical ways to maintain and improve mental health and support recovery from mental illness and addictions.