News Releases    

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 2003

Public forum in Niagara to talk about the future of mental health services

Niagara - - The union representing hospital professionals at the Niagara Health System will host a community forum on the future of mental health services in Niagara Region.

Date: Wednesday, March 26
Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Place: Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 3530 Schmon Parkway, Thorold

“Our region is underserved when it comes to affordable housing, children’s mental health services and psychiatrists,” said Stephen Bottaro, a social worker at the Niagara Health System. He is a member of Local 215 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.

“Our service agencies don’t have the staff or funding to meet the needs of people suffering from a mental illness,” Bottaro said. He is the forum’s moderator.

Admission to the forum is free. The public is welcome.

Speakers include:

· George Kurzuwa, Director, Canadian Mental Health Association

· Judy Hoover, Director, Community Survivors Network

· Dr. K. Santher, Director, Mental Health Services, Niagara Region

· Barbara Chysler, Director, Mental Health Services, Hotel Dieu Hospital

· Felena Valpati, Niagara Falls City Council

· Peter Kormos, NDP MPP, Niagara Centre

· Dr. N. Johnston, Clinical Psychologist, Brock University

· Sue Brown, Executive Board Member, OPSEU

In November, OPSEU released a report, Reality: Ontario’s Mental Health Care System isn’t Working. The report details cuts to mental health services across Ontario and is available at http://www.opseu.org/bps/health/mental/index.htm  

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For more information:

Steve Bottaro, (905) 945-6209