About CMHA

Our Vision: “A Canada where mental health is a universal right”

Our Mission:

At CMHA Vernon, we have built a community of support for individuals and their families living with mental health challenges, from youth programs to housing to education. We help people in our community to find the best type of care or service to match their need. 

Branch Mandate:

The Canadian Mental Health Association (Vernon & District Branch) is a voluntary association that exists to promote Mental Wellness in the community of Vernon, and surrounding areas in the North Okanagan.  It is part of a provincial and national organization.  We believe in enabling individuals, groups, and communities to increase  control over and to enhance their mental health.

We are committed to providing an environment that is free from prejudice, discrimination and harassment. We strive to reflect the entire community in our volunteers and staff, and promote equal access to the services we provide.

Our Philosophy:

CMHA VERNON is committed to ensuring that our mission and operations embrace the whole community, and actively encourage the entire community to participate in and benefit fully from our services.

CMHA Vernon adheres to the Freedom or Information and Protection of Privacy Act under BC Law:  www:bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/961654_0 

Our Agenda for BC:

• Mental health has the same priority as all other matters in public policy and in the allocation of resources
• There is no longer any discrimination and societal stigma attached to any form of mental health problem or illness or to those who live with a mental illness
• CMHA’s Framework for Support is the accepted guiding model in the formulation of public policy and the provision of care
• Communities encourage and support the creation of environments where nurturing of healthy minds and attitudes is an accepted, ongoing priority
• Support and assistance is provided in an appropriate, dignified and timely manner to all those who are experiencing mental illness
• Families and caregivers receive effective support in their important role in the provision of assistance

The Framework for Support

The Framework is the central philosophy guiding the activities of CMHA. This philosophy holds that the person experiencing mental illness is at the centre of any supportive mental health system.

The Community Resource Base 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 ultimate goal of the Framework is to ensure that people with serious mental health problems live fulfilling lives in the community. 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.