Registered Psychiatric Nurses witness the devastation of disease, disability and sometimes death in Canada due to mental health /illness issues. Rare will be the Canadian family that remains untouched in their lifetime by mental illness. Mental illness is more prevalent than what many people realize as 1 in 5 people are likely to experience some type of mental disorder in their life-time. The Canadian Institute for Health Information revealed that hospitals devoted 5 ½ million days in 1995 – 1996 to people affected by mental disorders. These statistics are twice the number of hospital days for people with all forms of cancer. There are links between heart disease and depression. The evidence of the link between mental illness and substance abuse is growing. The Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health in 2000 was the first time that the American Surgeon General's office focused a report on mental health.

Governments can no longer afford to ignore the mental health needs of Canadians. A National Plan on Mental Health seems an imperative if Canada is to combat the burden of disease created by mental health issues or illness. The Primary Health Care Model for Canadian healthcare provides the opportunity to map a plan that creates collaborative alliances to realize efficient and effective mental health resources that build the capacity of all Canadians.

Primary health care may be instrumental in achieving health and wellness for Canadians. The World Health Organization (1996) identified mental health as an integral part of primary health care and that effective primary health care requires a holistic approach that includes mental health.

Mental illness can affect anyone. The Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada urge Canadian provincial and federal governments to marshal their resources and demonstrate their commitment to a National Plan on Mental Health that includes mental health promotion.

Quality mental health services for the individuals, families, groups and communities who live with or love someone who is affected by mental health/illness issues is an urgent issue that requires immediate attention and action by the Canadian government.

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