Welcome to the 2016-2017 edition of Network, our regular publication that brings together different perspectives on issues important to those impacted by the mental health and addictions sector in Ontario.
All of us at Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario are particularly excited about this edition, which is dedicated to data, performance measurement and quality improvement – topics imperative to our sector.
This year, Network brings you first-person perspectives from influential figures in Ontario’s health care environment. Dr. Joshua Tepper provides insight into the importance of quality improvement and his organization, Health Quality Ontario. Similarly, renowned clinical scientist Dr. Paul Kurdyak explains the value of data and how it can chronicle an individual’s health care journey. Members of our talented CMHA Ontario team also provide insightful and informative articles about the benefits – and challenges – of the various data repositories in the mental health and addictions realm.
This edition of Network is also timely as it comes on the heels of significant investment in the mental health and addictions system. In 2017, the federal and provincial governments reached consensus on a Health Accord agreement, which will provide a $1.9 billion investment over 10 years for mental health services in Ontario. To that end, we’re pleased Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term care has contributed a story about his government’s current funding commitment to our sector.
Finally, I’m particularly thrilled that this is the first edition of Network launched solely online. This provides CMHA Ontario with an opportunity to more accurately track readership. Going digital in order to leverage our measurement capabilities is particularly appropriate given the subject matter of this year’s issue. We hope you enjoy it.
Sincerely,
Camille Quenneville
CEO
Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario