We are a non-profit organization working to ensure the appropriate
treatment for the seriously mentally ill (SMI). Continued
deinstitutionalization has placed a significant proportion of the SMI
population in jeopardy. Only when services are designed and provided on
the basis of the needs of individuals, will we achieve our goal. We do not accept donation from the pharmaceutical industry
OUR VISION
An optimal mental health system will
provide:
-
timely
access to appropriate psychiatric care and treatment (to avoid
deterioration and to improve prognosis) along with continuity of
care to promote continued stability and the best quality of
life;
-
open
access in public formularies to psychiatric medications;
-
appropriate
services to support individuals with a serious mental illness
in recovering a satisfying and healthy quality of life to
their fullest potential;
-
disability
support programs that ensure sufficient income for a satisfying and
healthy quality of life, and that do not penalize individuals who
attempt to return to the workforce or to pursue additional
education;
-
public
education on the neurobiomedical basis and the recognition of early
symptoms of serious mental illnesses, including formal education
programs in secondary schools and post-secondary colleges and
universities;
-
mandatory
education and certification requirements for mental health
professionals and peer support workers that measure competency in
understanding the neurobiological basis of serious mental illnesses,
and that include and value the expertise of family caregivers;
-
formal
opportunities for family caregivers of people with serious mental
illnesses to share their knowledge and expertise with professional
providers and peer support workers.
OUR MISSION
OUR
MANDATE
OUR KEY MESSAGES
-
Schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder and other psychotic disorders are neurobiological
brain diseases.
-
Medications
are the foundation of treatment.
The organization was originally founded in the early 2000's by the late Tony Cerenzia and Dr. Richard O'Reilley. Tony was the former president of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada while Dr. O'Reilly is a psychiatrist in London, Ontrio and the former president of the Ontario Psychiatric Society. The organization is dedicated to improving the treatment and care
provided to individuals who suffer from serious mental illnesses. We
believe that there are major deficits present in the mental health care
system today. Our goal is to raise public awareness and assertively
lobby local health administrators, government and professional bodies.
We do have a dedicated group of volunteers but we can always use more help. Our goal is to bring to the attention of the public problems with the current system for treating those with schizophrenia and to lobby for improvements.
If you wish to help, please contact us. Contact information is below or e-mail us if you would like to be put on out e-mail list.
Current Issues/News
Stigma and Serious Mental Illness (scroll down to page 11 - loads slowly)
Treatment of Mental Illness Commentary on the Arizona Shooting
Gabrielle Giffords, Jared Loughner and Mental Illness
Other Articles
National Post article based on our critique of the Mental Health Commission of Canada
Globe and Mail Series on Mental Illness Called Breakdown
CFACT Press Release on the Ontario Select Committee Report
Feminism has been failing the mothers of people with serious mental illnesses. From the Tyee
The Concept of Recovery- From the World Fellowship For Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders
Please check for regular updates or e-mail the address below to be added to our e-mail list
E-mail: chair AT cfact.ca
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