General Information

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Chatham-Kent Branch exists for the acheivement of mental health for all people of Chatham-Kent. Further, CMHA exists to build resilience, recovery and maximum function for people experiencing mental illness through direct service, education, prevention and advocacy.

CMHA's vision is for people with mental illness to have opportunities to gain knowledge, skills, resources, and support so that they may fully participate in the community. Optimal mental health for all citizens is promoted through partnerships with consumers, families, and the community.

The Canadian Mental Health Association is a national non-profit organization which has one hundred and thirty-nine branches nationwide. The Chatham-Kent Branch was chartered in 1964 and is one of thirty-one branches in Ontario. The initial program was a social recreation program funded by the United Way. In 1976, the Branch received its first funding from the Ministry of Health to develop a rehabilitation program to provide opportunities for people with mental health problems to live as independently as possible. As Ministry of Health funding increased, programs were expanded to include group home living and staffing for a twenty-four hour a day mobile support team.

CMHA Chatham-Kent Branch is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, United Way, private donations, fees for service, and fund raising.

	Fanciful Person This image of a healthy, vibrant figure symbolizes the role of physical and mental health in the development of the whole person. The logo's four triangles represent CMHA's four areas of activity: community service, social action, public education, and research.
	United Way United Way of Chatham-Kent generously provides funding for the Promotion Education and Bereavement Resource Programs. The goal of these programs is to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues and the effects life events have on mental well-being.
	Ministry of Health The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care funds the Mental Health Services and Housing Programs. This funding provides case management, vocational, and housing services to help the clients of CMHA Chatham-Kent live successfully in the community.