Transforming Workers and the Workplace: CAMH Congress on Mental Health and
the Workplace

TORONTO , Oct. 26 /CNW/ - It's being increasingly recognized that the workplace can significantly affect employee mental health, and vice versa. Now we're starting to understand what we can do about it.

To bring solutions to business leaders, employers and policy makers, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is hosting the Canadian Institute of Health Research's fourth annual Congress on Mental Health and the Workplace, the leading Canadian forum dedicated to the exchange of scientific evidence to transform the working environment and the mental health of employees.

Media are invited to hear top scientists along with some of Canada's largest companies discuss challenges and solutions to workplace mental health issues, and provide first-hand accounts of strategies that have transformed their companies.

    
    Date: October 30, 2009

    Time: 10:30-12 pm

    Location: The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto

    Among those there to share their experiences will be:

    Sari Sairanen, National Health and Safety Director, Canadian Auto Workers

    Deanna Matzanke, Global Employment Strategies Director, Scotiabank

    James Temple, Manager, Corporate Donations, Direct energy

    Doug Smeall, Head of Health Management Strategy, Sun Life Financial
    

"About 10% of the working population in Canada has a mental disorder, and this is responsible for about $17 billion in productivity losses each year." says Dr. Carolyn Dewa , Program Head for CAMH's Work and Well-being Research and Evaluation Program and conference chair. "That's why it's crucial that companies who want to attract and keep workers acknowledge and address the work environment and provide necessary supports to ensure the health and well-being of their employees."

NOTE: This session is part of a three-day event running from October 28-30 including the top researchers, policy analysts and thought leaders in the field. Topics will include workplace prevention, return to work strategies, stigma and policy for workplace mental health and addiction.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, as well as one of the world's leading research centres in the area of addiction and mental health. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development, prevention and health promotion to help transform the lives of people affected by mental health and addiction issues.

For further information: For more details and a full schedule of the congress, please contact: Media Contact: Michael Torres, CAMH Media Relations, [phone] or [email protected]