Canadian Mental Health Association, Vernon, BC

We are committed to providing an environment that is free from racism, prejudice, discrimination and harassment. We strive to reflect the entire community in our structure (volunteer and staff) and to promote equal access to the services we provide. The Framework is the central philosophy guiding the activities of CMHA. This philosophy holds that a mental health consumer (someone who uses mental health services) is at the centre of any supportive mental health system. The Community Resource Base, as shown below, outlines a range of possible resources in addition to the formal mental health system which can provide support to a person with mental illness. Housing, income, work and education represent four basic elements of citizenship. The Framework for Support is referred to as the most comprehensive model for mental health planning by federal and provincial governments as well as by the Centre for Community Change in the US, and the Government of Ireland.