FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23rd, 2024

The Mental Health Commission of Canada and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences launch a national demonstration project to advance schizophrenia treatment and care delivery in Canada


WINDSOR, ON - The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) are collaborating on a nationwide demonstration project to advance treatment, strengthen care delivery, and improve outcomes for those living with schizophrenia. Over 18 months, participating health-care sites will receive customized resources and support to expand the implementation of Ontario Health’s (OH) Schizophrenia Quality Standards (Standards).


The MHCC and Ontario Shores are pleased to welcome the following demonstration sites to the project:

·        Adult Forensic Mental Health Services - Manitoba

·        Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and Canadian Mental Health Association - Windsor-Essex County, Ontario

·        Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services - Newfoundland and Labrador

·        Seven Oaks Tertiary Mental Health Facility - British Columbia


These sites will receive tools, education, and training to implement the Standards based on specific regional, cultural, and organizational needs.


The Standards were developed by Ontario Health and informed by guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Adapted to the Canadian context and local conditions, the Standards include a series of 11 statements for Schizophrenia Care for Adults in Hospitals and 15 statements for Schizophrenia Care in the Community for Adults. 


Quotes


"As a specialized hospital providing an array of Mental Health and Addictions programs and services, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH), in collaboration with our partners at the Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB), expresses enthusiasm and gratitude for being designated as two of the four distinguished demonstration sites nationwide. The healthcare teams of both organizations are unwaveringly dedicated to pioneering advancements that will redefine the landscape of mental health and addictions care. Our collective goal is to dismantle barriers and cultivate a future where individuals impacted by schizophrenia receive the support they rightfully deserve."

Bill Marra, President and CEO

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare



"Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor Essex County Branch is the lead provider and advocate of specialized community mental health services integrated with comprehensive primary health care. We collaborate with a variety of healthcare and social service partners to provide comprehensive support for clients. We are proud of our integral partnership with Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH), with the schizophrenia project being a great example of integration. With the proximity and integration of mental health leadership between the two organizations, clients can experience supported transitions between CMHA-WECB and HDGH programs as needed to facilitate the client recovery."

Luciano Carlone, Interim CEO/Director, Corporate Services and Housing

Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor Essex County Branch



“This project provides an opportunity to ensure equitable access to the highest standards of care for people living with schizophrenia in Canada. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is pleased to work with our partners on this milestone. The co-creation of a national toolkit to expand these Quality Standards across the country will reduce the variability in care for people living with schizophrenia.”

Michel Rodrigue, President and CEO

Mental Health Commission of Canada


“Ontario Shores is delighted to share our expertise in Quality Standard implementation with four new partners from across the country and to partner with the Mental Health Commission of Canada to do so. This project will ensure that people receiving treatment for schizophrenia at our partner sites will receive the highest quality care possible. Together with the MHCC, we aim to accelerate the delivery of the most strongly evidence-based care and to elevate measurement-based care to improve patient outcomes.”

Karim Mamdani, President and CEO

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences

 

About MHCC

The MHCC leads the development and dissemination of innovative programs and tools to support the mental health and wellness of Canadians. Through its unique mandate from the Government of Canada, the MHCC supports federal, provincial, and territorial governments as well as organizations in the implementation of sound public policy. The MHCC’s current mandate aims to deliver on priority areas identified in the Mental Health Strategy for Canada in alignment with the delivery of its strategic plan


About Ontario Shores

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is a leader in mental health care, providing a range of specialized assessment and treatment services for people living with complex mental illness. Patients benefit from a recovery-oriented environment of care, built on compassion, inspiration, and hope. Ontario Shores engages in research, education, and advocacy initiatives to advance the mental health care system. 


For more information:

Mental Health Commission of Canada

media@mentalhealthcommission.ca


Andrea Marshall

Vice-President, Communications and Patient Experience

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences

marshalla@ontarioshores.ca

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Nicole Crozier, Director of Communications and Mission

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare

(226)-345-9710

nicole.crozier@hdgh.org


Kim Willis, Director of Communications & Mental Health Promotion

CMHA- WECB

(226) 787-2245

519-258-9940 x161

kwillis@cmha-wecb.on.ca

About Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare


Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the Windsor-Essex community through the delivery of person-centred, value-based care. Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare is aspecialized hospital offering services in Mental Health and Addictions; Rehabilitative Care; Complex Medical and Palliative Care; and Children and Youth Mental Health. We offer a unique blend of services including but not limited to community and home-based services. In collaboration with our healthcare and inter-sectorial partners, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare provides care in new ways and in new locations throughout the region to address barriers, improve access and patient outcomes and improve the overall patient experience.


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