CAMH

A new CAMH-led systematic review confirms that alcohol consumption causes substantial harm to health. The review found that more than 60 diseases and injuries are fully attributable to alcohol use, including conditions such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy, alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis, and fetal alcohol syndrome. Alcohol consumption is also associated with increased risk of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. In addition, alcohol contributes to a wide range of non-communicable diseases across five major categories: cancers, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, neuropsychiatric conditions, and gastrointestinal diseases. Some of these harms may be reduced or partially reversed when alcohol use decreases or stops. For chronic conditions such as cirrhosis and heart damage though, damage may not be fully reversible. However, reducing alcohol consumption can slow disease progression, and some cardiovascular effects may improve within days to weeks of abstinence. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8aK5vmc

Throughout CAMH, our Information Officers greet visitors with welcoming smiles, clear guidance, and a high level of professionalism. In recognition of Doors Open Toronto on May 23 and 24, we’re celebrating these dedicated team members who welcome our community with open arms. Meet Nadia, a dedicated Senior Information Officer, who has been a vital part of our First Impressions Team for over a decade. She loves sharing the stories behind CAMH’s integrated artwork—from Brandon Vickerd’s white squirrel monument to Rebecca Baird’s glass sculptures inspired by the 7 Grandfather Teachings—sparking meaningful conversations about the healing power of art. One of her most memorable moments is seeing visitors return as CAMH colleagues, who were inspired by the impact of a tour. Outside of work, a standout experience was returning to her home country, Guyana, after 30 years to trek through the jungle and witness the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls. Join us May 23 or May 24 for Door’s Open Toronto. This year’s theme, The World in a City, comes to life through guided walking tours that introduce visitors to three programs: Shkaabe Makwa, Youth Addictions & Concurrent Disorders Service, and AMANI. Learn more about CAMH's participation at Doors Open Toronto: https://lnkd.in/evpvG6pE #DoorsOpenTO #DOT26

Impaired driving remains a significant public safety concern in Canada with an estimated one-third to half of all motor vehicle fatalities involving a driver who had consumed alcohol or drugs. Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada in 2018, impairment through cannabis consumption is an especially growing problem. Learn how innovative simulation technology and multidisciplinary research are helping shape safer roads across Canada: https://lnkd.in/emyVUPc7

Last week was #ChildandYouthCare Week, recognizing the dedication of Child and Youth Care Practitioners and their contributions. We spoke with two Child and Youth Care Practitioners at the Concurrent Youth Unit, Cheyenne Cohen (Left) and Niki Mraud (Right), to learn more about their work. Cheyenne: “I’m a Child and Youth Care Practitioner at CAMH on the Concurrent Youth Unit, where I work directly with young people navigating complex mental health and addiction challenges. My role focuses on building therapeutic relationships, supporting daily routines, and creating a safe, structured environment where youth can feel understood and supported. Niki: “As a Child and Youth Care Practitioner, my role is in supporting children and adolescents through their mental health journeys. My day-to-day involves everything from one-on-one support to facilitating groups and helping maintain a therapeutic milieu. I value being a consistent, supportive presence and contributing to a team that prioritizes compassionate, youth-centered care.” Cheyenne: “I’ve always been drawn to working with young people, especially those who may not always feel heard or understood. Working here allows me to be part of a multidisciplinary team and support youth with more complex needs. I was drawn to CAMH because of its reputation for innovation and its commitment to client-centered care.” Niki: “Being a Child and Youth Care Worker means being present, patient, and adaptable. It’s about understanding that each young person’s experience is unique and tailoring your approach to meet their needs. It also means working collaboratively with families and the care team to support the youth in a holistic way, always keeping their dignity and voice at the center.” Cheyenne: “What motivates me the most in the work we do is seeing even small moments of growth: when a youth opens up, tries a new coping skill, or starts to believe in themselves a little more. Those moments remind me why this work matters. Knowing that I can play a small role in someone’s journey keeps me grounded and committed to doing my best every day.” #FacesOfCAMH #MentalHealthIsHealth

Mental healthcare in Canada isn’t reaching everyone who needs it. Many people living with mental illness face barriers to care, poorer health outcomes, and shorter life expectancy. Nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to help close these gaps but their role in mental health care is still underused. A recent commentary by CAMH calls for action from nursing leadership and outlines three key priorities to improve access to mental healthcare and reduce disparities. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e35xAFZu #NursingWeek

Nurses play a vital role in the operation of any hospital and healthcare facility, profoundly impacting the health of the patients they serve. Across inpatient units, outpatient services, emergency care, and community programs, nurses are at the heart of how we deliver compassionate, person-centered care grounded in humility, dignity, respect, and hope. Within our interprofessional teams at CAMH, nurses are essential partners who collaborate closely with physicians, social workers, therapists, peer support workers, and many others to ensure seamless, coordinated care. They serve as leaders and mentors who are there to guide new staff, support students, and help to foster a culture where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully. CAMH nurses are driving innovation, from advancing measurement-based care and contributing to clinical informatics initiatives that improve documentation and patient outcomes, to leading and participating in research that shapes the future of mental health and addictions care. Nurse educators are strengthening workforce capacity, nurse practitioners are expanding access to specialized care, and nurse leaders are influencing system-level change both within CAMH and across the broader healthcare landscape. To all nurses, whether at CAMH or elsewhere, thank you for your expertise, your compassion, your leadership and your commitment to the people you serve. #NursingWeek #MentalHealthIsHealth

Doors Open is back, and this year we're celebrating “The World in A City”! Join us for a guided walking tour of CAMH & be introduced to three programs offering cultural responsive mental health and addiction care for youth and indigenous communities. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/evpvG6pE #DOT26 #MentalHealthIsHealth #Toronto #Hospital

“Over time, my perspective on psychiatry has changed in the direction of greater skepticism." What happens to your perspective after five decades in psychiatry—treating tens of thousands of patients, leading major institutions, and authoring dozens of books and papers? On this episode of Quick Takes, Dr. David Gratzer sat down with Dr. Joel Paris, former editor-in-chief of the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, chair of the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University, and self-proclaimed skeptic. Listen in: https://lnkd.in/ehTXbHtQ

The Sunshine Garden is a recreational therapeutic and production gardening program for patients at CAMH in partnership with FoodShare Toronto Led by CAMH Community Engagement with the support of CAMH Gifts of Light and their clinical teams, CAMH patients learn gardening skills, gain plant knowledge, get to know community members and enjoy the beauty of the garden. This partnership is based on the principles of organic food production and environmental sustainability.

This week, Dr. Alexia Polillo joined CP24 News Wellness Wednesdays to talk about Youth and Social Media Use, the concept of "digital dementia" and the effects of excessive screen use on brain development. To watch the full interview, visit: https://lnkd.in/ec9-CQp9