about Centre for Addiction and Mental Health:

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, as well as one of the world's leading research centres in the area of addiction and mental health. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy and health promotion to transform the lives of people affected by mental health and addiction issues. We have central facilities located in Toronto, Ontario and 32 community locations throughout the province. CAMH was formed in 1998 as a result of the merger of the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, the Addiction Research Foundation, the Donwood Institute and Queen Street Mental Health Centre.

how Centre for Addiction and Mental Health gets involved

Who we are?
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's leading Addiction and Mental Health teaching and research hospital, fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. CAMH succeeds in transforming the lives of people affected by addiction and mental illness, by applying the latest in scientific advances, through integrated and compassionate clinical practice, health promotion, education and research. As a public hospital, CAMH receives its operating funds from the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TC LHIN) through a Hospital Service Accountability Agreement. Research grants and funds for special programs are received from the University of Toronto, Foundations and other granting and funding bodies. CAMH works with the government to help shape the public policy and resource development process to ensure it promotes health and works towards eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction. CAMH has been recognized internationally as a Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. What is a teaching hospital? As a teaching hospital, CAMH provides education, training, internships and residencies for students. People training to work in the health care field, including psychiatrists, psychologists, pharmacists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers and laboratory technologists, come to CAMH for practical experience. What kind of care is provided at CAMH? CAMH is committed to providing comprehensive, well-coordinated, accessible care for people who have problems with mental illness or addiction. A wide range of clinical programs, support and rehabilitation services are provided that meet the diverse needs of people who are at risk and are at different stages of their lives and illnesses. Services include: assessment, brief early intervention, residential programs, continuing care and family support. CAMH staff work with family doctors, home support services, community agencies and other health care providers to make sure that clients and their families can receive assistance in their own communities and homes if possible. Additionally, they address larger issues that arise from four major factors affecting health -- housing, employment, social support and income support. What is CAMH's philosophy of care? Our focus at CAMH is on client-centred care. We recognize that everyone is different and that each client has individual social, physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological needs. Wherever possible, the care provided incorporates the preferences, needs, aspirations and cultural beliefs of each individual into the treatment plan. CAMH supports diversity and strives to be sensitive to race, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, abilities, religion and sexual orientation. Clients, their families and significant others are all active partners throughout the care process. Safety is a CAMH priority. What are CAMH's values? Over the past year staff, physicians, clients, family members, unions, volunteers, the community and many other stakeholders within and outside CAMH have taken part in the Strategic Plan Renewal Process under the leadership of the Board of Trustees. An updated Strategic Plan has been created that will provide the framework for CAMH's programs and activities over the next three years.

how you can get involved with Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

The CAMH Corporate Volunteer Program.The program seeks to link closely with corporations to create partnerships to build and sustain healthy communities. CAMH's unique Corporate Volunteer Program provides an opportunity for your employees to make a difference by volunteering at CAMH. Employee volunteerism: Encourages employees to use their skills and talents in rewarding ways Enhances your organization's teamwork, develops leadership skills, and boosts morale. Promotes sense of community and social obligation.The CAMH Corporate Volunteer Program offers: Hands-on volunteer opportunities within a wide range of CAMH services Volunteer opportunities that meet the needs and match the values of your organization. Have a look at the Corporate Volunteer Testimonials. How can the CAMH Corporate Volunteer Program benefit my organization?How can my organization promote employee volunteerism? How does volunteerism benefit employees? What volunteer opportunities are available? Did you know?According to Health Canada, one in five Ontarians experience a mental illness in their lifetime. So chances are that someone you know has been affected. How can the CAMH Corporate Volunteer Program benefit my organization? Participating in the program: Demonstrates good corporate citizenship Encourages networking between organizations and creates opportunities to increase your organization's community profile. Excellent opportunity for team building Better productivity and morale amongst employees? How can my organization promote employee volunteerism? Encourage and support employee participation in volunteer activities. Create a corporate volunteer committee, and invite speakers and publish articles on volunteerism. How does volunteerism benefit employees? Volunteering benefits employees by: Creating a sense of social commitment and responsibility Reflecting personal values and beliefs. Improving sense of loyalty and job satisfaction. What volunteer opportunities are available? Activities may include leading or assisting in Hospital-wide special or seasonal events. Music, yoga, tutoring, art and exercise groups. Site beautification projects.