Toronto, ON - June 27, 2019 - The OMA sees a mental health and addictions strategy as an essential component of improving care and enhancing the sustainability of Ontario’s health care system. Earlier this year, the OMA used a pre-budget submission to call on the government to introduce a strategy to address suicide with a focus on integration of mental health and addiction programs.
Investments in mental health and addiction services will result in better patient outcomes while supporting system-wide cost savings. Improving mental health and addiction care, and investing in prevention and early intervention programs, will help to reduce wait times.
“Ontario’s doctors are on the frontline of care. Every day we see the impact of a patch-work of mental health and addictions programs. We are encouraged by Minister Elliott’s efforts and commitment,” said Dr. Sohail Gandhi, President of the OMA. “Ontario’s doctors are ready to collaborate to ensure that Ontario’s mental health and addictions strategy meets the health needs of the people.”
The OMA looks forward to working with the government to ensure that The Foundations for Promoting and Protecting Mental Health and Addictions Services Act is able to best support Ontario’s patients.
About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association is a membership organization that represents the interests of doctors in Ontario. Our 41,000 members are practicing and retired doctors, residents and medical students.
For more information, please contact:
OMA Media Relations at 416.340.2862 or toll-free at 1.800.268.7215, ext. 2862
media@oma.org @OntariosDoctors