** About CAMH **
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.
** CAMH’s Mission, Vision, Values, Goals **
** Our Mission **
Improving the lives of those affected by addiction and mental health problems and promoting the health of people in Ontario and beyond.
** Our Vision **
Strong and healthy communities, in which people with addiction and mental health problems can access appropriate and effective services and live as full participants.
** Our Values **
1 Client-centred practice
We put the client at the centre of what we do. We focus on individual client needs and strengths, showing mutual respect, encouraging client participation and empowerment, developing cultural and clinical competencies, and promoting clients’ rights.
2 Continuous learning
We foster creativity, discovery, learning and the sharing of ideas. We believe in ongoing learning, scholarship and self-scrutiny at all levels in the organization, and sharing the results of our learning with others.
3 Diversity
We respect each person as unique and demonstrate this through inclusive practices, information sharing and access to services. We believe in the principles of equity and access and will respect the diversity of communities we serve by having inclusive practices and policies for our governance, service, and employment.
4 Evaluation and accountability
We will improve, monitor and evaluate our services, and we will be accountable to our stakeholders. We will conduct ourselves in a responsible, transparent and ethical manner and uphold high standards of care and practice. We recognize our responsibility to use our resources efficiently and effectively. We will engage our stakeholders and build relationships based on respect and shared values and interests.
5 Holistic view of health
We believe in understanding and helping the whole person in ways that are holistic and focused on recovery. We believe that health is a complete state of physical, emotional, spiritual and social well-being, and are committed to a multi-dimensional view of health and illness. Our approach to service weaves evidence-based practice with wellness and a focus on the broad determinants of health.
6 Partnership
We will build respectful, collaborative and effective partnerships. We are but one participant within the health system and our collective work is strengthened through partnerships characterized by mutual respect, teamwork and open communication.
** Our Goals **
1 Improve Care and Enhance Health
CAMH will improve client-centred quality care, enhance health and client safety, and improve access to programs and services.
2 Discover, Share and Apply New Knowledge
CAMH will build a culture of integrated and collaborative approaches to discovering, sharing and applying new knowledge.
3 Influence Public Policy and Promote Positive System Change
CAMH will be a leading and collaborative voice in influencing responsive public policy and broad system improvement.
4 Be the Best Place to Work and Learn
CAMH will become the best place to work and learn – attracting, supporting and retaining the best team of staff, physicians, volunteers and students.
5 Ensure Long Term Sustainability and Development
CAMH will ensure the long-term sustainability and development of programs and services by effectively using resources and diversifying our funding sources.
6 Provide Effective Information Management Systems and Technology
CAMH will develop integrated information management systems and technology to support leadership in clinical care, research, health promotion and education.
7 Develop Innovative Facilities
CAMH will transform the Queen Street site into a central hub - an innovative care, health promotion, research and education village linked to the community and satellite locations across the province.
