This report would not have been possible without the work undertaken by the following persons and organizations :

• Northwestern Ontario District Health Council for the use of their facilities and their assistance in co-ordinating and compiling demographic and statistical data.
• Canadian Mental Health Association for the use of their facility and equipment and access to their research and briefing papers on mental health issues.
• Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital for openly sharing information regarding their services and programs and especially to Janet Sillman, Acting Administrator who provided timely and ongoing information regarding the depopulation and planned closure of the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital.
• Aboriginal communities especially Nibinamik and Eagle Lake for hosting meetings to hear mental health issues that affect aboriginal people and their communities. A special thank you to Regional Chief, Charles Fox, for his leadership and understanding regarding the importance of mental health reform and the need for open dialogue and joint planning.
• The Aboriginal Health Office, who provided current information regarding aboriginal issues and guidance and leadership in organizing the Aboriginal Forum.

The North West Ontario Mental Health Implementation Task Force (MHITF) gratefully acknowledges the hard work and effort of the members of the seven Work Groups whose task it was to identify the issues, strengths and weaknesses of mental health services in Northwestern Ontario, and to help find creative solutions that would benefit people with a serious mental illness (SMI) and their families. In addition, the information presented by various organizations and individuals was invaluable in preparing this report. (Names of the participants and presenters can be found in Section 11 - List of Participants)

The work of the Task Force's own sub-committees was central to the development of the proposed implementation plan described in this report.

The Task Force would like to recognize the support of employers and Boards in allowing their staff to participate in the process of mental health reform for Northwestern Ontario. The Task Force would also like to provide a heartfelt thank you to the consumers and their families who shared their stories and provided a more in-depth understanding of the issues and challenges facing individuals who have a serious mental illness.

A heartfelt thanks to Keli Kornylo who provided the technical expertise in formatting the final report.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the development of a northern solution for the people of Northwestern Ontario.

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