This year, mental health drove the public agenda, and CAMH experts made an impact where it mattered most. We were at the table and on the ground addressing issues such as the police response to people in crisis; the tragedy of Aboriginal youth suicides; the epidemic of deaths from fentanyl overdoses; concerns about PTSD in Syrian Refugees, veterans and first responders; and the ethics of medically assisted death.

As Canada’s largest academic health science centre dedicated to mental health, CAMH cares for over 30,000 patients a year, including those with the most serious and complex mental illness. This year, our clinicians introduced new evidence-based treatment plans to standardize and improve care across a range of conditions. Along with our partners in the Medical Psychiatry Alliance, we’re committed to the best physical and mental health care for our patients, and we’re delivering it through our Brain-Heart Service.

The Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute brings the latest brain research techniques together with experts in genetics, epigenetics and brain imaging. Our scientists are translating breakthroughs in the lab into options for patient care. CAMH researchers are creating excitement and optimism for discovering the biologic mechanisms of mental illness. We’re sharing our knowledge broadly. This year, CAMH opened our Simulation Centre and launched ECHO Ontario Mental Health, a virtual community of practice that provides rural primary care clinicians with real-time video case consultation from mental health experts at CAMH.

Private philanthropy plays an important role in our work. The Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression — the first global centre dedicated to youth depression — was made possible through a $15-million gift from The Peter Cundill Foundation. Our community’s philanthropic leaders are vital to our future. Support from our $200-million Breakthrough Campaign will help us build the hospital of tomorrow. Our patients will receive care in warm, welcoming spaces, as we improve care models and treatment to change the future for people with mental illness.

We’re proud of our 2015/16 achievements, and anticipate a new year filled with the next breakthroughs in mental health.