SSC ADVOCACY REPORT 2005-2006

Highlights
Background Papers The medication paper was completed and sent to the provinces and SSC Board for feedback. The paper will be translated into French and posted on the SSC website. Initial discussions have begun on development of a new Call to Action Paper for Schizophrenia. Ryan Clarke, our advocacy consultant, will start developing this paper. The family paper draft was sent to the SSC Advocacy Committee for comments and feedback. The SSC Board and the provinces will complete this paper for review by the fall of 2006. Advocacy Strategic Plan and Initiatives In November 2005, Ryan Clarke from Advocacy Solutions was hired as a consultant by SSC. In this role, Mr. Clarke has worked with SSC and the Advocacy Committee on several initiatives including the development of a pre and post election strategy, the National Pharmaceuticals Strategy, and the Kirby Senate Report. On March 27 and 28, Mr. Clarke developed an advocacy strategic plan with members of the SSC Advocacy Committee and staff. Some of the key issues identified in the plan were access to treatment and medications, the Canadian Mental Health Commission and decriminalization. Specific communication tools were also identified to assist with the plan. As part of the advocacy plan, SSC participated in federal reviews and discussions related to the Common Drug Review, Canadian Optimal Medication Prescribing and Utilization Service and the National Pharmaceuticals Strategy consultation process. SSC had a letter writing campaign as part of the formal advocacy plan that included communication in December and January with all federal party leaders and MPs to highlight the importance of mental illness issues and to determine each partys position with respect to the establishment of the Canadian Mental Health Commission, access to medications and timely access to treatment and services. SSC also corresponded on these issues with the former federal Liberal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh and with the current federal Conservative Health Minister Tony Clement.

The results of the letter writing campaign were: February, 2006 To: MPs Format: Letter Content: Congratulations on election and introduction of SSC Quantity: 311 Responses: 35 May, 2006 To: MPs and Senators Format: Letter Content: Endorsing Kirby Senate Report and encouraging them to support the establishment of the Canadian Mental Health Commission by writing a letter to the government. Quantity: 409 Responses: 24 (As of June 21st, 2006) Kirby Senate Report SSC Chief Executive Officer, Mary Jardine was present in Ottawa in May for the announcement of the Kirby Senate Report: Out of the Shadow at Last: Transforming Mental Health, Mental Illness and Addiction Services in Canada. National Caregiver Project and Respite Survey In November 2005, SSC presented the findings of the report on the Respite Needs of People Living with Schizophrenia that was funded by the J.W. McConnell Foundation at a meeting of the VON Care Renewal Project and the J.W. McConnell Foundation. SSC also attended the National Caregiver Coalition meetings at this time. Florence Budden, SSC Advocacy Chair, represented SSC at both meetings. In April 2006, the report findings were released by SSC. SSC will continue to participate as a member of the VON Care Renewal Project and the Canadian Coalition of Caregivers. The organization will continue to work with these groups to strategize on how to best utilize the respite survey and develop an action plan on meeting the respite needs of individuals living with schizophrenia.

Decriminalization The SSC participated in the release of the Annual Report of the Office of the Correctional Investigator of Canada to highlight the significant need for mental health services, treatment and support for mentally ill offenders in the federal prison system. John Gray, SSC President, has been working with a group of interested individual across Canada on a plan to deal with issues related to mental illness and the criminal justice system. Professional Advisory Committee John Gray continues to look at membership for this committee. Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) SSC continues to be an active member of CAMIMH. Mary Jardine and John Gray represented SSC at meetings in 2005-2006. SSC participated in the following initiatives as a member of CAMIMH in 2005-2006: Mental Illness Awareness Week, the announcement of the Kirby Senate Report and the publication of CAMIMHS Framework for Action on Mental Illness and Mental Health: Recommendations For Action to Health and Social Policy Leaders of Canada for a National Action Plan on Mental Illness and Mental Health.

Issues/Challenges/Advocacy Opportunities for 2006-2007

1. Continue to move forward with advocacy strategic plan and advocacy initiatives. 2. Continue to develop a relationship with the Conservative government including bureaucrats in various departments. 3. Development of a strategy to move respite survey research into a viable project to meet the needs of individuals and families affected by schizophrenia. Continue to be a strong voice with the VON Caregiver Renewal group and the Canadian Coalition of Caregivers. 4. Ensure that the SSC Advocacy Strategic Plan is aligned with the Federation roundtable advocacy plan and work with our provincial partners on advocacy initiatives. 5. Develop an advocacy toolkit as part of our strategic plan 6. Maintain a strong role and voice as a member of CAMIMH. 7. Continue to scan the environment for advocacy opportunities and initiatives across Canada. 8. Continue to develop a plan on decriminalization of individuals with mental illness in the federal criminal justice system. 9. Continue to advocate for the formation of the Canadian Mental Health Commission and possibly membership for an SSC representative.

10. Continue to participate in forums to improve access to medications, treatment and services for individuals living with schizophrenia and their families.

Priorities
The priorities of the SSC Advocacy Committee will be driven by the preceding opportunities and challenges for 2006-2007. Other priorities will be established based on issues or concerns that arise and a review of the advocacy strategic plan in the fall of 2006.

Thank you
As Chair of the SSC Advocacy Committee, I would like to thank all members of the SSC Advocacy Committee, SSC Board, Mary Jardine, CEO, the SSC staff, Mr. Ryan Clarke from Advocacy Solutions and all individuals who assisted SSC in the past year with our advocacy initiatives. I look forward to working with all of these individuals in the coming year on all SSCs advocacy plans and initiatives.

Respectfully submitted, Florence Budden SSC Advocacy Committee Chair 2005-2006