WEBINAR: Forty is too Young to Die: A Call for Action.
April 10, 2012 (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM ET)
People living with mental illness die 25 years younger than the general population, and face more morbidity through their lives. The chief cause of death among people with mental illness is not suicide or overdose, as is often assumed, but "natural causes" such cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Despite this evidence, people living with mental illness, addictions issues and other complex needs continue to experience tremendous hurdles in accessing and effectively using the health care services that will assist them in addressing their physical health care needs and will help them to live long and healthier lives.
This webinar will closely examine the findings of a one year project conducted by Toronto's Early Onset Illness and Mortality Working Group that looked at early onset physical illnesses and ill health that lead to early death among people living with mental illness and addictions issues. We will also review some local and international promising practices that point to a better way forward.
You can read the report of the Working Group here, in advance of the webinar.
Presenters:
Volletta Peters is the Director of Tenant and Member Services at Mainstay Housing, where she has worked for the past 10 years. Her other work in the sector includes working with women and children fleeing domestic violence, and newly arrived immigrants and refugees struggling with settlement and adjustment to a new society.
Kate Francombe Pridham is a Masters of Social Work (MSW) Candidate from York University. She worked on the Early-Onset Illness and Mortality Working Group as a researcher for her student placement with Mainstay Housing in 2011. Kate's current placement is with the Women's Harm Reduction Program at South Riverdale Community Health Centre in Toronto, where she is conducting community-based research and working in a direct-service capacity with drug users.
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Please note that, as always, webinars are free for CHRA members.
For non-members, the cost is $40 + tax.