Canadian Mental Health Association

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Canadian Mental Health Association

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        History

        The Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene was formed in Ottawa on April 26, 1918. On December 1, 1926, the National Committee was legally incorporated under Letters Patent filed with the federal government. The objectives of what is now the Canadian Mental Health Association were enumerated. They continue to advocate for the best possible care, treatment and rehabilitation of the mentally ill; to strive to prevent mental illness and mental disability; to promote research into their causes, treatment and prevention; to protect and promote mental health and in execution of the foregoing to secure the support of the public and to co-operate with other agencies both professional and lay, and to urge governments at all levels to take legislative and financial action to further these objectives. Programmes of research on the development and education of children, parent education, teacher training, mental health in industry, and the management and reduction of stress have characterized the activities of the organization since the early years. The name of the organization was changed in 1950 to the Canadian Mental Health Association. In the late 1970s the organization referred to itself as Mental Health Canada in keeping with the new style of names for federal government ministries, however; the name was not legally changed and as the Association was confused with federal government offices, the Canadian Mental Health Association was reinstated as the operating as well as the legal name. Dr. Clarence M. Hincks was the driving force behind the organization. He served as Secretary from 1918 to 1920, acted as the Associate Medical Director from 1920 to 1924 when he became Medical Director. Finally, he served as the General Director from 1926 to 1952. Between 1930 and 1939, Hincks functioned as General Director of both the Canadian and the American National Committees for Mental Hygiene. Dr. John D.M. Griffin followed Hincks as General Director. He was appointed in 1952 and served until his retirement in 1971. Dr. Griffin was succeeded by George Rohn.

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        Related entity

        Canadian Mental Health Association. Orillia and District Branch

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        associative

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        Related entity

        Canadian Mental Health Association. Ontario Division

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        associative

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