FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 2, 2004
OPSEU calls on the Liberals to stop the erosion of core services in mental health
TORONTO – The Ontario Public Service Employees Union and the Ontario Health Coalition will this week host a conference called “Building Links for Better Mental Health”.
Scheduled for Nov 3-4, 2004 in Toronto, this conference will bring together people working in a cross-section of mental health programs, consumers/survivors and family members. It will give them an opportunity to share information and discuss key issues facing everyone involved in mental health.
“Twenty percent, or one in every five Ontarian, will suffer from a mental illness during their lifetime,” said Leah Casselman, President of OPSEU. “We have to face the reality of mental health. Mental illnesses affect people of all ages, educational and income levels, and cultures. Through events like this conference people can
share their ideas and build the links necessary to improve the well being of all.”
With cuts, privatization and closure of mental health facilities, more and more Ontarians are left on their own to deal with the complications of mental illnesses. OPSEU calls on this government to stop the erosion of core services and start rebuilding awareness through education, around this highly stigmatized issue.
OPSEU represents 7,000 staff in Ontario’s psychiatric hospitals, general hospitals and community agencies that work with people suffering from a mental illness.
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Attached is the updated agenda for the conference. For more information, please contact:
Barbara Linds, (416) 443-8888 ext 203
Kay Singh, OPSEU Communications: (416) 443-8888 ext. 440
