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Foundation Progress Report

Fall 2002

 
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When you become a STAR, great things can happen

Mary Deacon

With this issue we have enclosed a brochure (to be posted soon) that introduces STAR -- a new way to support the work of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. When you become a STAR, great things can happen...

Stigma is eliminated
Treatments are discovered
Awareness is increased, and you help
Raise needed funds for a common goal

By becoming a STAR, whole new worlds open up!
Organizing a special event is an easy and fun way for friends of CAMH to support our most urgent needs, and work to eliminate stigma associated with mental illness and addictions. You can become a STAR by organizing any kind of event from a bake sale or a raffle, to a golf tournament, a talent show or a gala dinner. The possibilities are endless and each successful event helps to ensure continuing excellence in understanding, care and prevention of mental illness and addiction

The Foundation is very fortunate to have a number of STARs already in our midst. JRM Tube Inc. and Tremco Ltd. host annual golf tournaments; Gerry Throop and Don Tapscott and their band, Men In Suits, put on an annual concert; and the Shorinji-Kempo Toronto Branch hold an annual sponsored 'kickathon.' These are only a few and we appreciate all of them.

Please consider holding an event in support of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. By becoming a STAR, you can help us make the future brighter for people facing mental illness and addiction.

I hope you enjoy your Fall 2002 issue of the Foundation Progress Report. Thank you for your support.

Mary Deacon

Camilla Dalglish, Director, W. Garfield Weston Foundation; Peter Dalglish; Charles Rosenberg, Architect, Hilditch Architect; Dr. Joerg Rustige, Vice President of Research and Development, Eli Lilly Canada; and Mary Deacon

Left to Right: Camilla Dalglish, Director, W. Garfield Weston Foundation; Peter Dalglish; Charles Rosenberg, Architect, Hilditch Architect; Dr. Joerg Rustige, Vice President of Research and Development, Eli Lilly Canada; and Mary Deacon, President & CEO, CAMH Foundation.

LEARN: Helping Young People Recover

Sabrina Baker, a social worker at LEARN, invited everyone who attended the opening celebration -- donors, staff and clients -- to add a piece to a mosaic mirror that will hang at LEARN upon its completion. The mosaic is a symbol of the incredible energy, vision and goodwill that have gone into developing this program.

Left to Right: Camilla Dalglish, Director, W. Garfield Weston Foundation; Peter Dalglish; Charles Rosenberg, Architect, Hilditch Architect; Dr. Joerg Rustige, Vice President of Research and Development, Eli Lilly Canada; and Mary Deacon, President & CEO, CAMH Foundation.

LEARN -- an initiative of the Centre's First Episode Psychosis Program -- stands for Learning, Employment, Advocacy and Recreation Network.

"We are about helping young people who have had a psychotic illness get back to work, back to school, back with friends and back into life," says Dr. Robert Zipursky, Clinical Director, Schizophrenia Program.

LEARN is a wonderful example of the creativity and innovation that is possible through cooperation between government, private donors and corporate donors. Gifts from the W. Garfield Weston Foundation and Eli Lilly Canada, donation of the site from Loblaw Properties Limited and a grant from the Government of Canada through the SCPI program have allowed the Centre to create this unique new facility in the west end of Toronto specifically designed to meet the complex needs of young adults recovering from a first episode of a psychosis.

Psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia usually have their onset in the late teenage or early adult years. The First Episode Psychosis Program was established in 1992 at a time when there were no special services available to provide care for young people who were just starting to experience symptoms of schizophrenia.

Research shows that early detection and treatment increases the opportunity for long-term recovery. However, despite dramatic improvement, it remains very difficult for most young people to get back to their lives, to their friends, to school and to work. These individuals have very special needs in areas that include education, socialization, education, job training, recreation, emotional support, family education and support, and management of substance abuse.

Camilla Dalglish and Nancy Baron, two directors of the W. Garfield Weston Foundation, astutely recognized the need for these services in our community and through the Weston Foundation, supported this project from inception to completion. At the opening reception on September 23rd, the Weston Foundation and Loblaw Properties Limited donated $1,000 worth of Loblaws gift certificates so that LEARN staff can fill the fridge with bottled water or whatever they choose for staff and clients to enjoy.

Eli Lilly Canada has been a long-standing supporter of CAMH through various programs. Examples include two unique fellowships in women's mental health, sole supporter of the state-of-the art Lilly Learning Centre for our health care professionals, and one of the supporting partners of the Courage to Come Back Awards. "Eli Lilly Canada's mission is to provide answers that matter through innovative medicines, information and exceptional customer service to enable people to live longer, healthier and more active lives," says Dr. Joerg Rustige, Vice President of Research and Development at Eli Lilly Canada. "Supporting LEARN is an opportunity for Lilly to help CAMH provide answers that matter."

There have been many people who have worked tirelessly to make LEARN a success -- staff at CAMH and LEARN, clients, family members and community partners. Charles Rosenberg, the architect, did a wonderful job of ensuring that the space embodied the essence and the hope of the program. "We all wanted to be sure that young people working to recover from schizophrenia are able to be supported in the sort of beautiful environments that we have come to expect if we are recovering from other serious illnesses in Toronto," says Dr. Zipursky.

For more information, please contact LEARN at 416-535-8501, ext. 7300.
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You are here:
CAMH > Foundation > Newsletters > Foundation News Fall 2002
 
PDF Version of the Fall 2002 Progress Report
 
In this issue
When you become a STAR, great things can happen
LEARN: Helping Young People Recover
Psychiatric Illness: the only time you're in the hospital when you don't get flowers
Foundation's signature event raises funds and fights stigma
Foundation Board welcomes new members, thanks retiring members
Special thanks to Foundation supporters who have held special events to support the work of the Centre
A Centre of Excellence
Events
 
How You Can Help
How to Make a Donation
Planned Giving
Gift Matching:
Make your gift work twice as hard
In memoriam and in honour gifts
Circle of Hope
Corporate Leaders Program
Volunteer Opportunities with the Foundation
 
Events
Courage to Come Back Awards
Courage 2002
Courage 2001
Courage 2000
Courage 1999
Third Party Special Events: Become a Star
 
Our Donors
Donor Profiles
What Our Donors Have Made Possible
 
Publications
Foundation Progress Reports
Annual Report & Financial Statements 2001 / PDF
Who We Are
Board of Directors
Foundation Staff 2002
Mission Statement
Donor Bill of Rights
Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code
How to Reach The Centre

Psychiatric Illness: the only time you're in the hospital when you don't get flowers

Sandy Naiman is a feature writer for the Toronto Sun who lives with mental illness. Her illness has led to many hospitalizations over many years.

"When you are hospitalized for mental illness, regardless of what facility you are in, people don't visit you," she says. "They don't send cards or flowers, and they don't phone. They ignore you. They pretend you've just gone away and they don't know where, and it seems they don't want to know."

"I think I've only had three visitors -- other than my mother and sisters -- when I've been hospitalized for mental illness over 42 years. That's how uncomfortable people are with the idea of going into a mental hospital or ward."

"In 1999, I developed a kidney disorder -- a 'real' illness, one that was not all in my head. It legitimized me because I had something physically wrong with me, something real. The cards and flowers rolled in, people visited me, the phone rang! It was a shock to see the difference between visitations in mental wards and other wards for physical illness, and in the way you are treated. All those other times when I had been hospitalized for a mental illness, no-one came, no one sent cards or flowers, and no phoned. I was truly shut away."

Sandy's story is poignant and not uncommon. Jane Paterson has worked in mental health for 20 years and is currently the Deputy Chief of Professional Services at CAMH. She shares her insights about why people are uncomfortable visiting, how to support and friend or family member hospitalized for a mental illness, and just how important that support can be to recovery.


What keeps people away?

Fear, discomfort and stigma are major deterrents. Paterson recalls a time when even staff members were a barrier. "I remember one staff member who didn't think that a client's mother should be allowed to visit," she says of her experiences at a mental health facility in the 80s. "Since then we have worked with staff and clients to bring about many positive changes and make things much more open and welcoming. For example, we began holding family barbeques."


Should you visit? Is there a time when it's better to stay away?
"Just as if your friend or loved one was hospitalized for a physical illness, there may occasionally be times when it's best to wait before visiting," says Paterson. She suggests calling first. "If the patient is not available, check with a family member or the patient's primary nurse. Unless they are acutely ill, chances are they will be delighted to see you."


What advice would you offer to someone visiting?

"Much the same advice as I would offer to someone visiting in a regular hospital," says Paterson. "Bring a card, flowers, a small gift, newspapers or books. If possible, take the patient out for a walk. If they are permitted to leave the hospital, they may enjoy going for coffee or sitting in a nearby park."'


What should you expect?

People hospitalized for the first time with a psychiatric illness may be taking new medications. Drowsiness and fatigue are common side effects, as the dosage is adjusted to meet their needs. It is not uncommon for a patient in the early stages of a psychiatric illness to appear withdrawn. "In these situations I think it's best to take the lead from the person you are visiting and ask them what would be best for them. While they sometimes might prefer a brief visit, it's important to remember that psychiatric patients need support."


What if the visit doesn't go well?

"It is very important to let the staff know," says Paterson. "Feedback from visitors such as 'I'm concerned that 'Joe' is more depressed, withdrawn, agitated than usual today.' is very useful. Of course it is imperative to let the staff know if your loved one talks about harm. Equally, tell the staff about a good visit, or improvements that you have noticed."


Above all...

Come and visit. Send cards. Send flowers. Make a simple phone call to let them know they are loved and not forgotten.

"Don't abandon them because they are ill," says Paterson. "Isolation can make their illness worse. I can't stress strongly enough the importance of positive support from friends and family to recovery."

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Foundation's signature event raises funds and fights stigma

The Foundation's signature event -- the ninth annual Courage to Come Back Awards and Dinner -- took place on May 2nd, under the leadership of Chair Barbara Murray. Close to 900 people attended, including the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, to celebrate the personal triumph over addiction and mental illness of seven courageous individuals from across Ontario.

Thanks to excellent support from the media, the award recipients were able to share their uplifting messages of hope, courage and human potential to
an even wider audience, helping to break down the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction. For more information about the recipients and their stories, please see the Foundation's website, www.camh.net/foundation.

The Foundation is very grateful to Presenting Sponsor RBC Investments, and to Partners: Bank of Montreal, CAW Canada, Ernst & Young, Eli Lilly, Manulife Financial, Merrill Lynch, Ontario Power Generation & Power Workers' Union.

In addition, we thank Reception Sponsor AGF, Hospitality Sponsor Onex, Travel Sponsor Wynford, and Media Partners: CFRB, ICE, Rogers Media and Sun Media Corporation, as well as all of our Patrons, Champions, donors, volunteers and supporters.

To see pictures from the event and to read about the nominees and award recipients, visit our Courage to Come Back 2002 pages.

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A Centre of Excellence

Honours & Awards

Accreditation achieved

The Centre received the highest Accreditation standing possible from the Canadian Council of Health Services Accreditation. This means that the Centre received an average rating of 5 or more (on a scale from 1 to 7) on all 22 quality descriptors with no high priority/ high risk recommendations. The honour came after an intensive review process and demonstrates beyond a doubt that the Centre's collective efforts to build a healthy, responsible, effective and client-centred environment have been successful.


CAMH researcher receives numerous honours

Dr. Shitij Kapur was the recipient of the 2002 Canadian Institute for Advanced Research "Young Explorers Prize" which recognizes Dr. Kapur as being among the most distinguished researchers aged 40 and under currently working in Canada. Dr. Kapur received the Ontario Mental Foundation Special Initiatives Grant ($1 million over 4 years) for his project entitled, 'Decoding Schizophrenia -- Putting the Pieces Together; Linking Genes, Neurochemistry, Cognition, Affect and Neural Networks.' Dr. Kapur was also named Associate Editor of American Journal of Psychiatry.


CAMH recognized by Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples

The Centre received an award from the Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples for "Outstanding Contribution by Another Non-profit Organization." This award recognizes the Centre's work in developing and implementing a residential addiction program in Spanish for members of the Hispanic community.


Understanding

CAMH researchers awarded funding for innovative study

Dr. Shelley McMain and her research team were awarded a grant from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research for their study 'Hope for the chronically suicidal patient: Evaluating the clinical and economic benefits of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in individuals with borderline personality disorder.' The research team which includes investigators from the DBT Clinic, Personality Disorder Service and Health Systems Service at CAMH as well as investigators from St. Michael's Hospital and the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest, received the full amount requested - $932,364.

The study will evaluate the clinical effectiveness and economic impact of a dialectical behaviour therapy for chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). This population has long been regarded as difficult to treat and with a poor prognosis.


Care

Urban garden

A new market garden has emerged on the west side of the Queen Street site grounds as a result of a partnership between FoodShare; a United Way funded agency, and staff and clients from the Centre's Vocational Resource Centre.

Fifteen clients in the Schizophrenia and Continuing Care, and Law and Mental Health programs are learning about designing, preparing, planting and tending the garden and are obtaining paid employment experience. The project intends to produce and sell vegetables for Field to Table's Good Food Box.

The market garden is going to be the subject of a new documentary film produced by Just Peachy Productions Ltd. The filmmakers will be onsite regularly to capture the growth of the garden and the experiences of CAMH clients who are involved in the project.


Prevention

CAMH releases new resource for physicians and nurses

Managing Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Problems: A Pocket Guide for Physicians and Nurses is written by practicing clinicians and designed to help busy front-line physicians and nurses treat the range of substance use issues they may encounter in their work.

The Pocket Guide covers everything from smoking cessation through to emergency treatment of overdoses, including: substance use issues in older adults, women and adolescents; information on a range of commonly used substances, from alcohol and marijuana to ecstasy; pregnancy and substance use; and special issues related to surgery and substance use.

The Pocket Guide offers well-researched protocols for identifying and treating substance use and its complications. It will not only demystify the treatment of substance use issues, but also lead to better treatment outcomes.

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Incoming Chair Lynda Mackay and retiring Chair Gayle Olsson

Incoming Chair, Lynda Mackay (Left), presents retiring Chair, Gayle Olsson, with painting done by Centre artist Margaret Shaw, in recognition of her leadership and vision.

Foundation Board welcomes new members, thanks retiring members

Lorne Gertner, Heather-Anne Irwin, Marina Kovrig, Neil Selfe, and Joseph Wright recently joined the Board of Directors, bringing with them a wealth of experience and expertise.

Neil Selfe is a member of the Corporate Leaders Committee and the Governance Committee. He is Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets. Lorne Gertner is a member of the Corporate Leaders Committee and the Nominations Committee. He is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hill & Gertner Group of Companies. Heather-Anne Irwin is a member of the Finance Committee. She is currently on leave from her position of Director & Vice President at TD Securities and is an instructor at the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management. Marina Kovrig is a member of the Corporate Leaders Committee and the Governance Committee. She is Vice President, Development and External Affairs at Recochem Inc., Canada.

The Foundation is also delighted to welcome back Joseph Wright of Barnagain Capital, a long time supporter of the Centre and past Board member. He is a member of the Governance, Nominations, Corporate Leaders, Pre-Campaign Advisory and Prospect Qualification Committees.

In September the Foundation said goodbye to retiring Board members James Lisson, Irene Tysall and Gayle Olsson. Jim has made a significant contribution to both the Centre and the Foundation through his strategic leadership, and Irene through her active involvement over many years with the Courage to Come Back Awards.

Gayle Olsson was honoured at the September Board meeting for her numerous contributions during the past three years that she has led our board and the preceding three when she served as a member. "Both the staff and clients of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have been very fortunate in benefiting from the leadership, energy, enthusiasm and passion of Gayle Olsson, and her strong commitment to the work we do," said Dr. Paul Garfinkel, President and CEO of the Centre.

Gary Rodgers and Mary Deacon

Gary Rodgers, President & CEO, JRM Tube Inc. (Left) and Mary Deacon, President & CEO, CAMH Foundation. JRM Tube's second annual golf tournament in support of CAMH raised $20,000

Special thanks to Foundation supporters who have held special events to support the work of the Centre

The Foundation is very fortunate to have a number of STARs already in our midst. JRM Tube Inc. and Tremco Ltd. host annual golf tournaments in support of CAMH. The tournaments help to support the Centre's most urgent needs and work to eliminate stigma associated with mental illness and addictions.

In September, Tremco held its fourth annual golf tournament in support of the Child Psychiatry Program at CAMH, bringing their total funds raised over $100,000. "Tremco is very honoured to be associated with and be in a position to help the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health," says Paul Sheehy, Ontario Regional Manager. "Mental illness is an often forgotten or ignored problem within society, yet it will touch almost every Canadian directly or indirectly during their lifetime."

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Centre for Addiction &
Mental Health Foundation
Board of Directors

Mr. Erich Almasy

Mr. Nicholas Brearton

Mr. Ted Cadsby

Mr. Robert C. Dowsett

Ms. Pamela Fralick

Dr. Paul E. Garfinkel

Mr. Lorne Gertner

Ms. Heather-Anne Irwin

Mr. G. Edmund King

Ms. Marina A. Kovrig

Ms. Marilyn Linton

Ms. Lynda Mackay

Mr. Richard A. MacKenzie

Ms. Rona Maynard

Mrs. Barbara Murray

Ms. Wendy Pitblado

Mr. Timothy R. Price

Ms. Tracey Riley

Mr. Neil Selfe

Ms. Jean Simpson

Mr. Robert Stewart

Mr. Gerald C. Throop

Dr. Franco Vaccarino

Mr. Joseph H. Wright

Events

There is Help ... There is Hope : Community Information Forums

December 10, 2002: Young Women and Depression

January 21, 2003: Healthy Aging

All Forums will be held from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Meeting Centre, 2nd Floor, 33 Russell Street, Toronto. There is no registration required however seating is limited.


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The Foundation Progress Report is the quarterly newsletter of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation. Our mission: to be a dynamic and effective fundraiser, helping to enable the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to provide the highest possible level of Understanding, Prevention and Care, creating a better world for the one in four Canadians whose lives are affected by mental illness or addiction. We work to promote public awareness of addiction and mental health and reduce the stigma associated with them.

We welcome your comments:
Meagan Thomas 416 535-8501,
extension 4324,
or e-mail to:
meagan_thomas@camh.net


The Foundation can be reached at:
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation
33 Russell Street, Second Floor
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2S1
Tel: 416 979-6909 or 1 800 414-0471
Fax: 416 979-6910
E-mail:
foundation@camh.net
Visit our website:
www.camh.net/foundation/index.html

A tax receipt will be issued for donations of $10 or more. Thank you for your generous donation. Charitable registration number 10693 2320 RR0001. Mail to: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation, 33 Russell Street, Second Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2S1 Tel: 416 979-6909 or 1-800-414-0471 Fax: 416 979-6910 E-mail:
Foundation@camh.net

For further information, please contact:

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation
33 Russell Street, Second Floor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2S1
Tel:(416) 979-6909
Toll-free 1-800-414-0471
Fax: (416) 979-6910

Charitable Registration
#BN 106932320RR0001

For general information on addiction and mental health:

Call the R. Samuel McLaughlin Addiction and Mental Health Information Centre

Toll free in Ontario Tel:1-800-463-6273
or local (416) 595-6111

www.camh.net/mclaughlin

DISCLAIMER: The Centre is not able to provide diagnostic, treatment or referral services through the Internet. Individuals should contact their family doctors, or their local mental health or addiction agency for further information.
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