Archives

• Eli Lilly – Moving Lives Forward Scholarship awarded to 3 Individuals for 2009

  The 2009 Moving Lives Forward Scholarship was a great success this year.  This year we broke all records with the number of applications received. In total we received over 25 applications, all of them from very qualified individuals from all over the province. It was a very difficult decision to narrow it down and choose just 3 but our Awards Committee did an  excellent job.

  An award of $1000.00 was given to each of the 3 winners for 2009.  They are Sheena    Tremeer of Saskatoon, Chris Kambeitz of Weyburn and Joanne Maisoneauve-Speers of Martensville.

  Sheena Tremeer’s goal is to become a Music Therapist.  She is currently enrolled at the    U of S in Saskatoon taking her prerequisite classes in order to attend Capillano University in Vancouver, BC. Sheena says that she loves music and wants to share it with other people to have a positive impact on peoples lives. She says it has helped her to grow and cope with life and wants to assist others to be able to do the same.

  Chris Kambeitz is currently enrolled at the Kelsey SIAST campus in Saskatoon and is    taking his Heavy Equipment and Truck Transport Technician Certificate. Chris has been quite involved with the Canadian Mental Health Association in Weyburn and has, through them, and working with his family on the farm, realized again a life long interest in mechanics. He says that having a mental illness has been a challenging and humbling experience and is very excited at having been accepted into this SIAST program.

  Joanne Maisonneuve-Speers is currently enrolled  in the Bachelor of Arts Program at the University of Saskatchewan.  She is a single mom majoring in Sociology and Psychology. Joanne’s goal is to work in the area of transitioning to employment, delivering life skills and community liaison work.  Joanne currently holds a Life Skills Coach certificate from Assiniboine Community College in Brandon.  With these classes she is well on her way to accomplishing her goal. She says that her decision to move from the back of the classroom to the front again excites her and gives her the opportunity to give back armed with knowledge of mental health issues, overcoming stigma, managing illness and implementing coping skills in daily life.

  To each of this years winners of the scholarship we say congratulations and wish you the best with your goals and dreams. You were all very deserving of the scholarship!

  Thanks to Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals for their donation of $3000.00 again this year.  Their ongoing support of this scholarship over the years has helped many people with their    educational goals.
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• Income Program Opens to People with Long-Term Disabilities – SAID

  People with significant, long-term disabilities no longer have to rely on social assistance following the launch of the province’s new Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability program (SAID).

  More than 3,000 people who are eligible for the new program have been invited to enroll by the Ministry of Social Services, as part of the program’s implementation, with the first benefits to be paid for the month of December. So far, more than 2,000 people have already enrolled in the new program.

  “For the first time, Saskatchewan people with long-term disabilities have their own separate income program,” Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. “As requested by the disability community, the new program has fewer reporting requirements and will be less intrusive than social assistance.”

  The SAID program was designed in collaboration with members of the disability community and will provide an income for people with significant, long-term disabilities that is separate from the Saskatchewan Assistance Program (SAP). Financial benefits and amounts will remain the same as those currently provided through SAP. However, people enrolled in SAID will not have to re-verify their disability status on a routine basis. Enrollees in SAID will also continue to receive Supplementary Health Benefits.

  Participation in the new program is voluntary. People on social assistance with significant, well-documented, long-term disabilities are eligible for SAID, and have been invited to enroll, if they:

  • live in residential care or family care settings with an assessed level of care of two or higher; or
  • live in a Social Services or Mental Health Services group home.

   A Program Implementation Advisory Team (PIAT), comprised of members of the disability community, has been established to provide advice on the implementation and development of the new program. PIAT members continue to meet with agencies and clients to gather feedback on the processes being used for the implementation of SAID. The team is also working with ministry officials to draft terms of reference for a staff training strategy, and for an assessment process that may be utilized in the future development of SAID.

   For more information, please call 1-888-567-SAID (7243) or visit the Ministry of Social Services website at http://www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/SAID.
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• 2009 Walk for Schizophrenia – Saskatoon

  Sunday – September 20, 2009 in Saskatoon

  Registration and Walk

  1:00 – 3:30 pm

  Join us at the Diefenbaker Centre

  University of SK. Campus; Saskatoon

  Prizes for the most pledges collected & largest team!! For each $350.00 you collect, you will be entered in a draw for “The Gift of Flight: From West Jet” prize value over $4000.00.

  Come out and enjoy a wonderful afternoon in the park!!

   

  Team Registration and pledge forms are available through the Saskatoon Chapter office; 304-506 25th Street East.  Saskatoon, SK

  Phone 306-374-2224

  Donations can be made on line: click the Canada Helps Button on the right and designate donations to the Saskatoon Chapter.

   Look for this button on the right to donate

   

  final walk poster 2009Click here to see the poster

  Final Pledge form 2009Click here for the Saskatoon Pledge form
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• Steps and Strides for Schizophrenia

  Join us for a great afternoon walk around Wascana Lake.  Help us raise awareness of schizophrenia along with raising funds for our much needed programs, by joining our walk!

  Sunday, August 30th, 2009: Wascana Park Band Stand

  Registration and Walk 1:00 – 3:00pm

  Come out and enjoy a great day in Wascana Park! 

  Prizes for the most pledges collected!

  Collect $200.00 or more and be entered in a draw for ” The Gift of Flight: From West Jet” prize value over $4000.00

  Steps and strides for Schizophrenia(poster)  Click here to see the 2009 poster for the Regina Walk.

  Pledge Form 2009  Click here for the Pledge form and more information on our walk.

  To make a donation on line please click the Canada Helps button to the right and designate donations to the General Fund. This will make sure your money goes to the Steps and Strides Walk.  Thank you for your support!!

   look for this button to donate!
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• Saskatoon Chapter- May 21st—Ladies Night Fundraiser

  The Saskatoon Chapter is hoasting a fantastic Fundraiser  for programs and services in Sasksatoon.  It will be at the Off Broadway Dinner Theatre 639 Main St.; Saskatoon. 6:00 cocktails, 6:30 dinner, pasta supper and belly dance performance.

  Tickets are $20.00 each and can be purchased through the Saskatoon Office.

  Call 306-374-2224 for more information or to purchase tickets
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• News Release – May 13, 2009PROVINCE LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

  Beginning this fall, thousands of Saskatchewan people will no longer need to depend on social assistance for their basic living costs, following the announcement today of a new income support program for people with disabilities.

  “Our government is taking action to improve the lives of people with disabilities,” Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. “For years, people with disabilities and their organizations have been telling government that they needed a new, dignified, less-intrusive income support program. In this year’s Throne Speech, our government promised to ensure that people with disabilities in Saskatchewan receive the support they need, and today we are keeping that promise.”

  The new program will begin on October 1, 2009, when the first group of recipients – an estimated 3,000 Saskatchewan people with disabilities – will be enrolled and begin to receive benefits. The initial group will be individuals currently on social assistance with long-standing and well-documented disabilities. Over time, enrollment in the new program is expected to reach between 8,000 and 10,000 people.

  “We’re pleased that the new program will be collaborative, non-intrusive, and impact based, drawing upon many of the key principles recommended by the Disability Income Task Team,” Disability Income Task Team Community Co-chair Merv Bender said. “The disability community greatly appreciates having the opportunity to work collectively with government on the development of this historic new program. The work and direction of the task team was confirmed by our many community discussions with people with disabilities, their families and with other Saskatchewan citizens.”

  Over the winter, the joint community/government Disability Income Task Team met with more than 400 stakeholders. They recently provided Minister Harpauer with recommendations based on these consultations. The new program, which will be separate from the existing Saskatchewan Assistance Program, will be based on the goals and principles recommended by the task team, including:

  • To assure a socially acceptable income for people with disabilities – recognizing the range of additional costs associated with disability; and
  • To encourage and empower people with disabilities to participate as fully as possible in community life.

  “The announcement of this historic new income replacement program is a turning point for people with disabilities in Saskatchewan,” Disability Income Support Coalition (DISC) Chairperson Judy Hannah said. “The new program is a testament to all of the hard work by government, DISC and by the members of the Disability Income Task Team on this important issue. DISC is pleased to continue our collaboration with the provincial government as this process moves forward.”

  A new Community Advisory Committee will be created to continue the successful collaborative approach between government and disability stakeholders.

  One of the committee’s first priorities will be to work with the ministry on establishing criteria to determine who is eligible for the new program, and to ensure that the new process is fair, effective and fully considers the impact on the individuals enrolling in the program.

  The committee will also support the work of the ministry on other details of the new program prior to the October 1 implementation date including:

  • reduced reporting requirements;
  • revised benefit structure;
  • staff training;
  • new service delivery approaches; and
  • a new program name and separate identity.

  “Giving people a greater opportunity to contribute to their well-being is an important factor in helping them to build self-reliance,” Harpauer said. “As a government, we are committed to doing our part to ensure people with disabilities participate fully in our society.”

  The report by the Disability Income Task Team and information gathered during the community consultations is available on the Ministry of Social Services website at www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca. More information about the new income support program will be available as work continues. Clients may contact their local Social Services office if they have any questions
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• Feedback from community discussions

  Please find below the web link to the presentation and questions regarding the income program for people with disabilities that were distributed at all the community discussions.  If you were unable to attend the recent community discussions in Regina, Saskatoon and PA, and would like to respond to these questions please feel free to do so.

  Please note that comments and feed back to these questions need to be received by April 17, 2009.

  You can forward your written responses by mail, email or fax to:

  Disability Income Support Task Team
  c/o Office of Disability Issues
  1920 Broad Street
  REGINA SK  S4P 3V6

  Email: odi@gov.sk.ca

  Fax: 1-306-787-3650

  Thank you,

  Office of Disability Issues
  Province of Saskatchewan
  1-306-787-7283 Tel/TTY
  1-877-915-7468 Toll Free

  http://www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/Income-Prog-Disabilities
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• Schizophrenia in Canada: A National Report Card

  DISCRIMINATION AND STIGMA PLAGUE CANADIANS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

  A new national report calls for greater public awareness about schizophrenia

  WINNIPEG, MB – March 30, 2009 –

  Schizophrenia in Canada calls highlights the findings of a 2008 report by the Fraser Institute on hospital waiting times, in which, physicians were asked to provide a reasonable wait time to receive various medical treatments. On average patients are waiting over six weeks longer for psychiatric treatment than is deemed reasonable.

  “It is simply unacceptable that people living with schizophrenia wait an average of 18.6 weeks from referral to receiving treatment for psychiatric care,” said Mr. Summerville. “Mental health must be considered a top priority in the national and provincial wait time strategies.”

  The research for Schizophrenia in Canada: A National Report was conducted by Léger Marketing and supported through an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer Canada Inc.

  About the Schizophrenia Society of Canada: The Schizophrenia Society of Canada began in 1979 and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy and research. The Society works with 10 provincial societies in a federation model to: raise awareness and educate the public in order to reduce stigma and discrimination; support families and individuals; advocate for legislative change; and support research through the SSC Foundation and other independent efforts. All the Societies are united through each organization’s efforts and share a common goal to raise awareness and educate the public in order to reduce stigma and discrimination.

  The report describes different factors affecting those with schizophrenia, such as public perceptions and discrimination, quality of life, access to health care services, access to medications, wait times and government spending on mental health. These are key factors that illustrate the standard of schizophrenia care in Canada.

  “While 92% of Canadians surveyed have heard of schizophrenia, most do not understand what it is or its symptoms. In fact, the majority confuse it with split personality disorder,” said Chris Summerville, CEO, Schizophrenia Society of Canada. “Misconceptions such as these lead to negative stereotyping and stigma towards people living with schizophrenia.”

  The report examines how stigma negatively impacts the lives of people living with schizophrenia. Stigma causes gradual social isolation, making it harder for them to seek the help and treatment they need to manage their illness.

  The report found that people with schizophrenia also experienced discrimination within the Canadian health care system.

  According to a national report released today by the Schizophrenia Societies across Canada, 60% of Canadians assume that people living with schizophrenia are likely to act violently toward others.

  Schizophrenia in Canada: A National Report calls on Canadians, health care professionals and government to support a National Mental Health Strategy that addresses the disparities and inequities faced daily by those living with schizophrenia and their family members.

  For the full report please click these links

  • Report
  • Provincial Supplement
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• Saskatchewan’s Patient First Review

  Make your voice heard.

  A review of the Saskatchewan health system is under way, to help put the focus back on the patient.

  We will be asking you to share your experiences, and suggestions for change.

  USE OUR INTERACTIVE GUIDE: 

  The interactive guide is your way to confidentially describe your experience as a client of the Saskatchewan health system.

  If you would rather fill the guide in by hand, download a PDF version of the guide.  Just print it out, fill it in, and mail to the address provided in the guide.

  What’s working well?

  Have your say about the way health care is delivered in Saskatchewan today, and how you think it could be improved.

  What needs to change?

  Use the interactive guide below that prompts you to describe your experiences with health care in Saskatchewan, and explore what works well, what gets in the way of a positive patient experience, and some possible underlying reasons.

  We want to hear your ideas and suggestions! 

  Share your information, and help find ways to improve the Saskatchewan health care system.
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• Why a National Mental Health Strategy is Critical to Preventing Future Tragedies

   

  (Winnipeg, Manitoba – March 5, 2009) –

  The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SCC) extends its sympathy to both the McLean family and the Li family as they struggle to come to terms with the tragic incident around the death of Timothy McLean.

   

  The Schizophrenia Society of Canada remains concerned about the negative or limited information that exists regarding individuals with schizophrenia and psychosis. This has been evident in the recent case of Vincent Li.

   

  Since 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, and 1 in 100 people will be diagnosed with schizophrenia, it raises the issue for reflection on the nature of mental illnesses including what they are and what they are not in regards to symptoms, treatment and risks of violence.

   

  This is especially true as such an unfortunate event as the McLean/Li tragedy surfaces the social prejudice and stigma that is still prevalent in our society. This is one reason why many with mental health problems and mental illness do not seek out help and treatment. Immigrants from other cultures often struggle with pronounced feelings of stigma regarding mental illness. Thus the SSC supports the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s proposed creation of a ten-year Anti-Stigma and Anti-Discrimination Campaign. 

   

  According to Chris Summerville, the Chief Executive Officer of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, the likelihood of violence by people with mental illness is exceptionally low.  In fact, people living with mental illness are more often the victims of violence.  “Fortunately, studies show that when people who were or would have been dangerous receive psychiatric treatment they are no more dangerous than people without a diagnosis. But they have to receive the treatment,” says Dr. John Gray, a board member of the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society.

   

  Schizophrenia and psychosis are treatable! But early identification and intervention in treating mental illness are crucial as treatment options do work.  Vince Li was beginning treatment at a mental health facility in Ontario as an involuntary patient.  But he left the hospital without anyone apparently intervening. Therefore it raises the question about whether the mental health care system responded appropriately in this case.  When he returned to Winnipeg, his family and friends knew something was wrong. Unfortunately, little effort was made to help him seek treatment due to lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms of psychosis. If the warning signs were there and he did not receive help, then the question is how to educate family and friends, as well as the public about accessing mental health services.

         

  This tragic event reinforces the urgent need for a national mental health strategy.   Despite the significant health, economic and social costs of mental illness, Canada is the only G8 nation without a national strategy on mental illness.  Summerville who is also a board member of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, says, “In many areas in Canada, there is a lack of psychiatric beds as well as lengthy wait times to access appropriate mental health care.”  He adds, “If there were not a comprehensive hospital or community services for people with cancer, heart problems or other medical conditions, we as a society would be outraged. Stigma and the lack of social and political will have resulted in Canada’s failed mental health system.” 

                                                                                                                                    

  The Schizophrenia Society of Canada is urging the federal government to adopt a national mental health strategy that is recovery-oriented and encompasses mental health literacy, mental health promotion, early intervention, adequate treatment as well as community supports and services. 

   

  While we understand and empathize with Timothy’s mother and the McLean family and support their concern for public safety, we do not believe that the proposed “Tim’s Law”, which would have individuals deemed Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) incarcerated for life, is the solution. Both Tim McLean and Mr. Li are victims of a complete psychotic episode, in which Mr. Li had no insight and awareness of his actions.

   

   

  About the Schizophrenia Society of Canada

   

  The Schizophrenia Society of Canada, founded in 1979, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy and research.  The Society works with 10 provincial societies in a federation model to raise awareness and educate the public in order to reduce stigma and discrimination; support families and individuals; advocate for legislative change; and support research through the SSC Foundation and other independent efforts.

   

   

   

  For more information please contact:

   

  Chris Summerville, D.Min., CPRP

  Chief Executive Officer

  Schizophrenia Society of Canada

  Office:  (204) 786-1616

  Mobile: (204) 223-9158
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