Increase in ODSP allowances called ‘an important step forward’ 

TORONTO, March 23, 2006 – Three of Ontario’s leading mental health and addiction organizations are pleased that today’s provincial budget continues to commit funding to improve the lives of individuals living with mental illness and addiction in Ontario.  The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Programs (OFCMHAP) and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) are encouraged by the government’s investments and its on-going commitment to transform the mental health and addiction system in Ontario.

Today’s budget follows through on the government’s earlier multi-year commitment to improve long-neglected community mental health and addictions programs, to ensure a continuum of services and supports—such as case management-- is available across the province.  The Liberal government is continuing its progress toward correcting years of underfunding with the third annual investment in this sector and, significantly, has also committed to a much-needed increase in basic needs and shelter allowances for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).  

“This increase is an important step. We know that consumers of mental health services have long identified the low rates of ODSP basic needs and shelter allowances as a significant barrier to recovery from mental illness,” said Karen McGrath, CMHA, Ontario’s CEO. “We hope that this will set the stage for further ODSP increases.”

“We are encouraged by the government’s continued investment in building a more responsive, better-integrated system of mental health and addiction services that emphasizes the value of community-based care,” added David Kelly, Executive Director of OFCMHAP.   “We are pleased as well that the government has further adjusted ODSP rates for people with mental disabilities after years of underfunding.  Understanding the disabling impact of addictions is important to recognize going forward.”

“When appropriate community mental health and addiction services and supports are available, people experience lower incidence of crisis and hospitalization, and outcomes for people with mental illness and addiction are much improved,” added Dr. Paul Garfinkel, CAMH President and CEO.  “The level of support for the communities we serve—including support like ODSP-- is still far short of what is required, but we are optimistic that, in working with the government, we can close the gap and improve the lives of Ontarians with mental illness and/or addictions.”

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Karen McGrath CMHA, Ontario (416) 977-5580 Ext. 4126

Michael Torres CAMH  (416) 595-6015

David Kelly OFCMHAP (416) 490-8900 Ext. 22

 

                                             

                                                        

                            

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