Canadian Mental Health Association

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the Canadian association founded on January 26, 1918 by Dr. Clarence M. Hincks and Clifford W. Beers. Originally named the Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene, it is one of the oldest health organizations operating in Canada.

Each year, CMHA divisions and branches across Canada provide service to more than 100,000 Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 10,000 volunteers and staff in locally run organizations in more than 135 communities.

CMHA is a charity that brings together community-based experience and expertise in the prevention of mental illness as well as community supports for the mental well-being of all Canadians. It is unique not only in its mental health promotion approach but also in its ability to speak to issues spanning the broad range of mental disorders and the full spectrum of those affected from those at risk, to those newly diagnosed, to those who have been living with a psychiatric disability for many years, as well as family, friends and community gatekeepers.

The Canadian Mental Health Association began existence as the Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene (CNCMH), founded by Dr. Clarence M. Hincks and Clifford W. Beers on January 26, 1918. Hincks was very interested in the field because he had experienced bouts of mental illness.

The Globe and Mail reported the group's formation under the headline: "$20,000 Secured for Institute: Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene Started in Mrs. Dunlap's Home."

A short historical note records the purposes and objectives of the Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene, as tentatively described at that first meeting. They included:

1. War Work (a) Psychiatric examination of recruits. (b) Adequate care of returned soldiers suffering from mental disabilities.

2. Mental examination of immigrants (post-war) to ensure a better selection of newcomers.

3. Adequate facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of cases of mental disease.

4. Adequate care of the mentally deficient.

5. Prevention of mental disease and deficiency.

Hincks solicited friends and professionals to join the committee, with an emphasis on those in the medical profession. He already had the backing of C.K. Clarke, Dean of Medicine and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto; his persuasive address to the medical faculty of McGill won him its unanimous approval.

...
Wikipedia