CFPC: setting the stage for enhanced mental health care in Canada

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 8, 2012 /CNW/ - The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) commends the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) on its mental health strategy entitled Changing Directions, Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada released today.

"The strategy sets the stage for significant improvements in mental health care in Canada," says Dr. Sandy Buchman, President of the CFPC. "It provides an important framework for health care providers to work collaboratively to achieve the recommendations and, most important, improve mental health care for our patients. The CFPC welcomes the opportunity to be a part of the recommended collaboration. Let's work together to make a positive difference in peoples' lives."

The CFPC is pleased that the strategy provides specific focus on addressing the mental health care requirements of vulnerable populations and recognizing that support must be integrated into other sectors including social services and education. The development of program indicators to monitor progress with patients over time is also a positive feature. The strategy recognizes the importance of working together and integrating resources in order to make a positive difference through implementation.

"I believe that the implementation of the mental health strategy will provide an important opportunity to learn and share new knowledge about best practices in collaborative mental health care, enhance self-management opportunities, and help address mental health and substance abuse issues," says Dr. Francine Lemire, Associate Executive Director Professional Affairs, and Co-Chair of the MHCC's Collaborative Health Evaluation Exchange and Research (CHEER). "We look forward to working with others to help to implement the recommendations."

ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS OF CANADA

The CFPC is the voice of family medicine in Canada. Representing over 26,500 members across the country, it is the professional organization responsible for establishing standards for the training, certification, and lifelong education of family physicians, and for advocating on behalf of the specialty of family medicine, family physicians and their patients. The CFPC accredits postgraduate family medicine training in Canada's 17 medical schools.

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