I realize it's been a while since I've written anything, but with the release of the federal budget today, I thought I'd share what's in it in relation to mental health programs, delivery etc. The following sections are lifted directly from the budget document itself, available here: http://www.budget.gc.ca/2012/plan/toc-tdm-eng.html
Overall, the budget is roughly 500 pages long. The following section takes up less than half a printed page:
Investing in Mental Health Research
Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes $5.2 million in 2012–13 to establish and integrate a network of mental health-related professionals. Research will be centered on treating depression, with a focus on suicide prevention and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mental health-related illnesses impact the lives of many Canadians, at a great social and economic cost. The advancement of research in this area, particularly research aimed at developing more effective diagnostic and treatment tools, is critical to improving the lives of these individuals. Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes $5.2 million in 2012–13 to support the Canadian Depression Research and Intervention Network. The Mood Disorders Society of Canada, in conjunction with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, will lead the development of the Network, connecting over 80 of Canada’s brightest depression researchers from across the country. Particular focus will be on suicide prevention and identifying and treating post-traumatic stress disorder. Funding provided in the budget will serve as a catalyst for private and public sector investment.
Interesting that they're going to spend $5.2 million to create a network that likely already exists...if there's only 80 or so "bright" depression researchers, I'm betting most of them already know each other and are in touch. Also, this funding is only for 1 year, so I'm also betting that after this fiscal year, the organizations listed will be on the hood for funding this "network" in the future. I'm curious as to how the funding in the budget will be a catalyst for private & public sector investment - there's nothing else listed in the budget that gives even a hint or a clue.
So the second part of the budget that deals with mental health follows. Again, it takes up less than half of a printed page. But that's ok, because it really doesn't say anything:
Aboriginal Mental Health Programs
Economic Action Plan 2012 commits to working with Aboriginal communities and organizations, provinces and territories to improve the mental health and well-being of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
Health Canada currently invests over $100 million annually to support mental health programs and services for Aboriginal peoples through community-level mental health initiatives, addiction and substance abuse treatment centres, and the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy. The Government has also provided significant support to Health Canada’s Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program, which provides mental health and emotional support services to former students and their families.
Anyways, just thought I'd share what the budget has in store for mental health in the future....$5.2 million. I feel like I should be ranting about this, but it's late and I'm tired. Besides, the one nice thing about having a majority government is that it can do whatever it wants. This budget will pass.
