Media
The Hamilton Spectator-Journal
April 7, 2001
Reform means participation
Today is World Health Day and the theme is Stop Exclusion - Dare to Care. There are two key messages:
- Ensuring that people get the treatment that best meets their needs and supports their wellness and recovery.
- Understanding the pervasive effects of social exclusion resulting from stigma and discrimination and the barriers that keep people from seeking treatment.
The Psychiatric Patient Advocate
Office (PPAO), established in 1983, is an arm's-length organization of the Ontario Ministry of Health. It provides advocacy and rights-advice services.
People need to get involved now in helping to reform mental-health care to shape the vision and the system to meet the needs of all stakeholders. A reformed system must include: Greater voice for consumer-survivors; advocacy and rights protection for all, regardless of where they receive their care and treatment; availability of affordable, safe and accessible housing; employment and educational opportunities; the reduction of stigma and discrimination; and community-based services to support all individuals in their bid to fully participate in society. It must respect the dignity and worth of all, and encourage each to be an equal partner, involved in all decisions that affect his/her care, life and treatment. Anything less will mean that mental health reform has failed.
On World Health Day, the PPAO urges everyone to pause and reflect on his/her attitudes and misconceptions and take part in creating an inclusive society that is accepting and supportive of people with mental illness.
Gwen Davidson
Patient Advocate
St. Joseph's
Mountain Health Services
