Toronto, Ontario – November 25, 2008

NEW CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY ANNOUNCED

The Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation (CPRF) announced today that it is joining forces with Mental Health Partnerships of Canada.  This strategic alliance will create a new national mental health charity. Mental Health Partnerships of Canada (MHPC) will expand fundraising activities and develop leading research and demonstration projects in the field of mental health, mental illness and brain injury.

The joint announcement was made by the Honourable Michael Kirby, Chair of Mental Health Partnerships of Canada, and Kevin McNeil, Chair of the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation, at the Foundation’s annual Silver Dinner event in Toronto. Kirby is also Chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

“This alliance and major new thrust in fundraising will have a transformational impact on the mental health sector in our country,” said McNeil.

Kirby stated that, “Through the efforts of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, it is hoped that a national army of volunteers will be created that will help to raise funds for the new Mental Health Partnerships of Canada charity.”

The Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation has close to a thirty year history of funding mental health research.  It will bring significant research, peer review, and publishing capacity to the new alliance. Mental Health Partnerships of Canada has been established as a separate entity to support the goals of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Michael Howlett, President of the Mental Health Commission of Canada is also President of Mental Health Partnerships of Canada. Kevin McNeil, David Feather, and Stephen Griggs of the CPRF have agreed to join the Board of the MHPC. Glenn Thompson and Graham Scott are current members of the Board of Mental Health Partnerships of Canada.

“Our alliance will create a charity for mental health on a scale with charities such as breast cancer, and heart and stroke,” Kirby said. “A national charity and a national army of volunteers are critical if we want to keep mental illness out of the shadows forever.”

                                                                                                                  
For further information please contact:

Micheal Pietrus, Director of Communications MHCC, (403) 385-4040 www.mentalhealthcommission.ca

Jean Milligan, Executive Director, CPRF (416) 351-7757 ext. 24 www.cprf.ca

Toronto, Ontario July 9, 2008

Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation Focuses on Current Research Projects

In 2008, the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation (CPRF) will direct over $500,000 towards peer-reviewed research projects exploring cures and better treatments to support the one in five Canadians affected by mental illness. These projects include studies into addiction, autism, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. This research is being conducted at universities, teaching hospitals and research institutes nation wide.

A call for proposals for additional research projects will be deferred to allow CPRF to expand fundraising activities, to build on current resources and to concentrate on fulfilling its existing commitment to Canada’s top mental illness and addiction research scientists.

About CPRF:

The Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation (CPRF) is a national charitable organization founded in 1980. CPRF is the only national charity with a focus of funding mental illness and addiction research at universities, research institutes and teaching hospitals across the country.

CPRF’s Mission:

To improve the well being of Canadians by funding mental health and addiction research to build healthier lives. We accomplish this by:

• Raising and distributing funds for mental health and addiction research.
• Translating the knowledge gained from mental health and addiction research.
• Advocating for mental health and addiction research investment.

About Mental Illness and Addiction:

• Mental illness affects one in five Canadians.
• In Canada, 60-65% of all disability insurance claims involve mental disorders.
• Mental health claims are now the leading cause of short and long-term disability leaves – ahead of cancer, musculoskeletal and back problems, and accidents.

For more information contact:

Jean Milligan
Executive Director
Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation
Telephone: (416) 351-7757 Ext. 24
E-mail: jmilligan@cprf.ca