Proactive Prevention
While we know that prevention is the best medicine, timely and relevant evidence is essential to guide any prevention and intervention initiatives. The scientific experts at the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research conduct a broad range of research with this underlying purpose. The Institute is home to Canada’s leading scientific experts dedicated to informing policy on mental health.
Our youth population health surveys identify risks—such as recent increases in anxiety and psychological distress—validating the need to address this problem. Our community-based work has led to impactful programs and services for those who have been overlooked, including Aboriginal men's mental health and LGBTQ youth who are homeless. And our international epidemiological studies have contributed to the understanding of the role of alcohol in cancer, dementia and suicide risk.
Influencing Public Policy
Through the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, we use our findings to relay evidence-based policy advice to stakeholders and policymakers.
We also work to shape CAMH's public policies on the issues relevant to our patients and caregivers. Access the full range of CAMH Public Policy documents, covering everything from alcohol and cannabis use to harm reduction and mental health system policies.
Through these efforts, CAMH strives to be a champion for health equity, social justice and inclusion for those with mental illness, including addictions.
Changing Minds to Create Hope
For many patients and their families today, the supports required to prevent their current experience with mental illness, including addiction, were either too hard to navigate or not there at all. But with your support, we will continue to advance not only the research, but society as a whole to make mental health equal to, and synonymous with, health. So that hopefully, others will find the path to recovery easier to navigate.
