Agenda

We are continuing to see a rise in substance use disorder across Canada. How best to manage this growing public health crisis is still a matter of much debate. However, providing targeted care and sustainable treatment options remains vital to preventing more deaths and family trauma.

Join in the discussion as we look at various treatment options available, what front-line responders are seeing and doing, and where we go from here.

Key Takeaways and Discussion Topics:

• What does a broader strategy to address substance-related harms look like
• The case for harm reduction, reducing stigma, and how this is playing out in practice
• How are other jurisdictions doing and what innovative models can be applied to Canada

Mobile devices and social media are ubiquitous, but at the same time create many concerns – especially for those with mental health disorders or those in vulnerable situations. Taking these considerations into account, the London Health Sciences Centre explored staff and patient perspectives on the impact of personal electronic devices.

Key Session Takeaways Include:

• The utilization of devices in healthcare settings and their benefits and concerns among patients
• Ethical areas of concern when using electronic devices in the hospital including autonomy, privacy, and liability
• Key lessons learned and considerations for device use in healthcare settings

Working within community support services involves a very diverse workforce. As well, delivering social services can be emotionally taxing for those that provide and receive those services.

Empower Simcoe has been diligently pursuing policies and procedures to ensure high standards of mental health services across their organisation. This includes a heightened awareness and sensitivity to the principles of Equity Diversity and Inclusion.

Key Session Takeaways Include:

• Why EDI audit and assessment must include mental health
• Why cultural trauma-informed tactics are required to support psychologically healthy workplaces
• The importance of demographic data – Are you afraid to collect it? What can it tell you?

One of the keys to providing effective and timely mental health care is that it meets patients where they are. Virtual mental health care, such as the BounceBack Ontario program, can provide important access to care at scale.

Designed to help adults and youth 15+ for several conditions, including anxiety and depression, BounceBack Ontario is offered as a free and virtual service to reduce barriers to entry.

Key Session Takeaways Include:

• Why low-intensity mental health interventions can be innovative ways to deliver mental health support on a provincial scale at low cost
• Why low-intensity interventions can have such a high impact on reducing anxiety and depression for the majority of participants
• What is stepped care and what are its advantages for maximizing benefits

Psychedelics substances have been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries, for healing as well as cultural and spiritual reasons. Over the last several decades, western scientists have conducted research into their properties and benefits, with an increasing body of evidence showing potential benefits in a variety of circumstances.

Participants in this session will gain a more thorough understanding of the history and current status of psychedelics in the treatment of mental health and substance use conditions and improvement in mental wellbeing.

Key Session Takeaways Include:

• The history of psychedelic use, research in Canada, and current state of knowledge
• The mental health benefits of psychedelics, variations of use, and important considerations
• The role of mental health practitioners in the careful use and promotion of psychedelics in therapy

First Nations communities have unique challenges, and many of those are felt heavily on the younger generations. Many face physical and emotional isolation, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and suicide.

Yet many of the necessary solutions can be found in the communities themselves.

With the help and support of elders providing mentorship, and their help in developing youth leaders to provide support for their peers, we are seeing renewed pride, opportunities, and self confidence replacing what was once a slippery slope toward mental illness.

Key Session Takeaways Include:

• The importance of mentorships, taking time to listen, providing safe physical spaces, and building trust in youth – inside and outside the classrooms
• How young leaders are creating opportunities for personal improvement by drawing on their own strengths and reconnecting with their culture
• Connecting young people with the help they need, and the importance of eliminating barriers to access services

New Provincial legislation in B.C. will allow amendments to the Mental Health Act so that people involuntarily treated under the act will access support from an independent rights advisor. The Province has selected the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC) to deliver the Rights Advice Service in partnership with Health Justice, local CMHA branches and non-profit agencies, Indigenous-led organizations and people with lived experience of involuntary treatment.

Key Session Takeaways Include:

• Why did the province implement this change and why it is important from the perspective of people with lived experience of involuntary treatment
• The service delivery model, including Governance and non-profit partnerships
• What are the greatest challenges they are seeing, and how are they being addressed
• Lessons learned and next steps for service implementation

Mental health, substance use health, addictions and suicide are significant public health crises both in Canada and globally. Mental illness affects one in five Canadians and one billion people globally. In 2020, substance use in Canada cost over $49 billion, led to over 270,000 hospitalizations and contributed to the loss of nearly 74,000 lives.

In response, HSO launched two new national standards — HSO 22004:2023 Mental Health and Addictions Services, and HSO 5064:2023 Suicide Prevention Program — in June 2023.

Key Session Takeaways Include:

• What is the current landscape of care and how can we elevate the quality of mental health and addictions services
• What was the rationale for the development of a national standard on mental health and addictions, and how will it lead to a framework for consistent and high-quality care across the country
• Participants will gain insights into the key issues and trends in mental health and addictions care in Canada, as well as the strategies and initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for individuals and communities

As health care practitioners who serve those struggling with mental health, it can be of value for you to know what supports are available to your patient. And while taxation may not be your standard discussion topic with patients, there are places you can direct them that can prove helpful.

In this CRA presentation, we will review the Disability Tax credit, how your patient can benefit if they are eligible and what information is asked of the health care providers when completing the application form, the T2201.

Key Session Takeaways Include:

• What is Disability Tax Credit
• What are the eligibility criteria with a focus on the mental function criteria
• What information does the health care provider need to complete on Form T2201

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-34 year olds. According to data from Statistics Canada, approximately 12 people die from suicide each day. Approximately 4500 deaths per year. Men die from suicide by 3 times higher than women. But women are more likely to attempt suicide. But we are also seeing increased risk from minority and LGBTQIA2S+ communities.

The reasons for attempting suicide are vast, but to address this public health crises, we must look at a dizzying amount of data, risk, and what the best responses should be.

Key Session Takeaways Include:

• Why do we see such differences in genders, and what does that mean for practitioners
• What makes one person to act versus one who only considers suicide
• Can suicide be reliably predicted or prevented
• Should we set a goal of zero suicides per year, or is this unrealistic; what is acceptable
• How do risks differ based on gender, race, and sexual orientation
• The challenges of including patient families, what are the outcomes when they are included

A.I. is seemingly everywhere, with promises for all industries and roles. Although much of the promise is still in the distant future, there has been some progress in its applicability to healthcare in general and mental health specifically.

Gain firsthand insights into how AI is being deployed by practitioners, and what the prospective uses will be in the years ahead.

Key Session Takeaways Include:

• How A.I. is helping patients and their physicians through ambient listening and natural language processing
• Where we are seeing the most value from a practitioner perspective, and what can we expect in the years to come
• What are the current limitations, and how are they being addressed