About the Canadian Mental Health Association

Introduction

On January 26, 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association was founded by Dr. Clarence M. Hincks and Clifford W. Beers to provide the Canadians mental health services. The CMHA is the oldest voluntary organization and it provides services to a huge number of Canadians annually. Each year more than 10,000 volunteers make this possible through team work and cooperation.

They expand and spread to to small communities in groups in an effort to put a stop to preventable mental illnesses. The Canadian Mental Association supports mental well-being. This charity organization therefore works towards establishing and nourishing good mental health of all Canadians.

History

Originally, it existed as the Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene. Around 20,000 Canadian dollars were secured as funds for the formation of an college for the mental health of the Canadians. Goals and objectives were outlined at the first meeting of this committee, and these consisted of assessment and care of the mental health of recruits, soldiers, and immigrants after the war. The objectives also included establishment of facilities to diagnose and treat mental diseases, assembling volunteers to take care of the mentally ill, and taking measure to make sure prevention of mental deficiency whenever possible.

The very first official meeting of this committee took place on April 26, 1918, in Ottawa. The founders, Hincks and Beers, had both experienced episodes of mental illness themselves. They gave an account of this at the drawing room meetings which were held and hosted by socially prominent women over afternoon tea to which their wealthy and influential friends were invited. Gradually, an impressive number of people became members and volunteered as donors. It now operates in Canada now as the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Features

The Canadian Mental Health Association has now chalked out projects to improve the mental health status of communities all over Canada. Research and surveys are designed and carried out in order to gain insight and vital information about mental health issues. These issues include child care, employment, housing, and education. The Canadian Mental Health Association has brought about the development of more than 150 special classes for children who are mentally handicapped in association with the school boards.

Also, the total number of Canadians with mental disorders dramatically reduced when screening for immigrants became compulsory. Youth, that is the 14 to 18 year old population, was targeted in 1999 to take prompt notice of any emerging symptom of psychosis. In this way early intervention was made possible therefore increasing the quality of life of many young adults.

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