Canadian Mental Health Association: Health Issues

Canadian Mental Health Association Name Institution Canadian Mental Health Association Background to the Organization and Description of Health Issue The Canadian Mental Health Association is an organization that began in 1918. Coincidentally, the CMHA is celebrating 100 years of service as I write this document. It was the idea of Dr. Clarence M. Hincks and Clifford W. Beers. Together, these gentlemen managed to set the stage for what would later become one of the largest voluntary organization in Canada. CMHA has continued to grow and currently “provides services and support to more than 1.3 million Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 11,000 volunteers and staff across Canada in over 330 communities” CITATION CMH18 \l 1033 (CMHA, 2018). Today, CMHA boasts of branches all over Canada including the one in Regina which is the focus of this article. While the organization began in 1918, the subsequent branches like the Regina branch began much later but a majority of them were opened in the 20th century. The Regina branch, for example, was started in 1949 and since then and with the efforts of well-wishers and volunteers, has managed to offer its service to many people within the Regina community. “Our business is first and foremost mental health and we provide an array of services to persons living with mental illness through core programs” CITATION Rid18 \l 1033 (RideDon'tHide, 2018). It is located at 1810 Albert Street and currently offers its services to more than 1000 individuals in the Regina community. Some of the programs offered by the Regina branch include Advocacy, Vocational, and Pre Vocational. The article continues to state that “we are also a community stakeholder ad building stronger partnerships in the community, as well as being an active participant in community initiatives for the betterment of those living with mental illness, no matter who they are or where they may come from, is a priority for CMHA Regina” CITATION Rid18 \l 1033 (RideDon'tHide, 2018). CMHA Regina has positioned itself as a caring partner for the community and this has manifested in the services it is offering as well as its participation in some activities within the Regina community. Mental illness is slowly becoming a major issue in the world. Apparently, one could be unknowingly living with a mental issue and the percentage of people living with mental issues in the world is slowly rising. With few centers providing services like the ones offered by CMHA, mental illness can indeed become a major issue. However, CMHA Regina recognizes the magnitude of the issue and hence its efforts in making use of the programs it is offering to help the people within the community. Looking at the Pre-Vocational Program, the organization seeks to offer an environment which is suitable for anyone with a mental illness to “develop a social support system and focus on ways to stay well.” This program simply seeks to support people and help them as they are recovering. CMHA Regina is funded by donors which makes it easier for it to use the vocational program to help clients. Some of the areas that the organization trains its clients include janitorial, housekeeping, administrative support, food services, laundromat, and conces...