History of the CMHA (National Level)

The Canadian Mental Health Association is one of the oldest continuing voluntary health organizations in Canada and has a long and active history in Niagara as well.

During the Great War, several Canadian doctors recognized the lack of information and facilities in the treatment of mental illness in Canada. The final push was provided by the need to treat soldiers returning from the Great War suffering from Shell Shock. The organization's interests soon branched out into surveying the care and treatment of all mental illness across Canada, recommending improvements to facilities, starting preventative programs and helping recent immigrants. A beginning was made on public and professional education in mental hygiene and psychiatry.

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History - CMHA - St. Catharines Branch

CMHA St. Catharines Branch had it's beginnings in 1966 when a number of volunteers met to see what could be done to assist persons who had spent time in the Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital re-integrate back into the community after their hospital stay.

In 1967 the group applied to the Ontario Division of the CMHA, developed a Board of Directors and received a charter to provide Mental Health Services and Education for the residents of the former Lincoln County. Limited funding was provided by the United Way in St. Catharines.

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History of CMHA - Niagara South Branch

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Niagara South Branch (formerly Welland Branch) received its Charter in November 1975, and has been growing and evolving to meet the mental health needs, initially of the people in the Welland, Port Colborne and area communities. The range of mental health services provided until 1983 included counselling and support services, support groups, information and referral service, public education and a social recreational program.

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In 2001 CMHA - St. Catharines and CMHA - Niagara South amalgamated into one organization delivering services across the Niagara Region. Throughout those years we have had continued growth. We are recognized as a solid service provider and an effective contributor to the community mental health system. We have skilled staff and a good partnership of Board, consumers, family members and professional service providers. Measures have been taken throughout the years to ensure that programs are kept up to date and as efficient and effective as possible. We have a proven record of fiscal responsibility and a commitment to meet our objectives even under the severe economic climate we are faced with.