Addictions and Mental Health Ontario

10/14/2026

It was great to connect with Ontario’s Associate Minister for Mental Health and Addictions, Michelle Cooper and share AMHO’s perspectives on the needs and priorities of Ontario’s mental health, substance use health, and addictions sector.

We look forward to working closely with the Associate Minister and her team, bringing forward our members’ frontline insights, experiences, and expertise to help inform solutions that work for our members and the communities they serve. Together, we can strengthen Ontario’s mental health, substance use health, and addictions system so that more people can access the care they need, where and when they need it.

10/10/2026

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to recognize a simple but powerful truth: people with lived and living experience must be at the centre of conversations about mental health and addictions care.

That is why today we're highlighting the voices of AMHO's Persons with Lived and Living Experience Advisory Panel.

Through the panel, individuals share their experiences, insights, and expertise to help inform our work and create meaningful change. Because when people are heard, services are stronger and communities are healthier.

10/08/2026

Investments in mental health and addictions services are investments in people, our healthcare system, and our economy. When people can access the right care at the right time, there is less pressure on hospitals and emergency services, greater stability for families and workplaces, and fewer people reaching crisis.

That’s why AMHO, Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario, and Children's Mental Health Ontario are calling on the federal government to renew the $1.2 billion in dedicated annual bilateral funding for mental health and addictions services, home care, and community care before the agreements expire on March 31, 2027.

Strong, stable federal funding is essential to maintaining and strengthening the care, supports, and services Ontarians rely on.

Read our full statement here:

(Toronto, October 8, 2026) – Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO), Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Ontario and Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) are joining the Ontario government in calling on the federal government to protect the progress made through federal health inve...

10/08/2026

When a client dies by su***de, the impact is felt by clinicians, supervisors, and organizations. Yet most systems lack a structured response plan to support those left behind.

AMHO members are invited to join a special Mental Health Services Community of Practice session on Tuesday, October 13 at 12 p.m. with Dr. Heidi Nichilo, DCP, RSW. The session will explore practical strategies to build postvention capacity, develop organizational response plans, and support staff through difficult loss.

Whether you're a mental health leader, clinician, or service provider, you'll gain valuable insights into creating stronger, more supportive systems of care.

🗓️ October 13 | 12 PM
🔗 Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/RyXDjXYNRNqCkfMAeoTWuA #/registration

Not an AMHO member? Visit our AMHO Members page below to learn more about membership and the opportunities, resources, and communities of practice available through AMHO.

https://amho.ca/become-a-member/

10/06/2026

Strong governance and leadership are essential to advancing AMHO’s work and supporting our members across Ontario.

As we look toward the future, we’re pleased to announce AMHO’s new Board officers:

Kristin Kerr will serve as Board Chair.

Kim Baker will serve as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Governance Committee.

Anthony Esposti will serve as Treasurer and Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee.

In these roles, Kristin, Kim, and Anthony will continue to provide strategic leadership as AMHO works together with our members and partners in government to help strengthen mental health, substance use health and addictions care across Ontario. We’re grateful for their continued commitment to AMHO and look forward to their leadership on the Board.

Congratulations, Kristin, Kim, and Anthony!

10/06/2026

A new chapter is beginning at AMHO!

We’re excited to welcome five new Directors to our Board:

Riyaz Abdulrasul
Thomas Di Carlo
Kevin Matte
Nicole Spivak
Graham Woodward

Each brings valuable leadership and perspective to AMHO, and we look forward to working with them as we strengthen our organization, and support the important work of our members across Ontario.

Please join us in welcoming Riyaz, Thomas, Kevin, Nicole and Graham to the AMHO Board!

10/06/2026

At AMHO, we’re grateful to the leaders who have contributed their time, energy, and commitment to strengthening our organization and advancing mental health, substance use health, and addictions care across Ontario.

We extend our sincere thanks to our outgoing Board Chair and Directors:

Lori Spadorcia, Board Chair
Penny Marrett, Treasurer and Chair, Audit and Finance Committee
Mike Beauchesne, Director
Alyssa Gremmen, Director

Thank you for your service to AMHO, and for the difference you’ve made through your leadership, guidance, and commitment to our members.

09/30/2026

Today, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour Survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never returned home, and recognize the strength and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

The harms of residential schools continue to shape the mental health and wellbeing of Indigenous individuals, families, and communities. For a sector committed to mental health and addictions care, that truth carries a responsibility.

Reconciliation asks us to listen, learn, and build relationships, while making sure Indigenous perspectives continue to shape the work of our sector. As part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation, the AMHO team took part in Indigenous Cultural Competency Training this year with Bob Goulais at Nbisiing Consulting Inc., recognizing that in order for AMHO to be on the path of reconciliation there has to be awareness of the past, an understanding and acknowledgment of the harm that was inflicted, atonement, and action to change behaviour. We're still learning what reconciliation means for our work, and see this as one step in ongoing journey of action and reflection.

We encourage you to take part in an event in your community and to seek out Indigenous-led voices and organizations. Here is a list of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities happening across the country: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation/list-activities.html

If today brings up difficult feelings, support is available:

📞 Residential school survivors and families: 1-866-925-4419 (24/7)
📞 Hope for Wellness Help Line for Indigenous peoples: 1-855-242-3310 or online chat at hopeforwellness.ca (24/7)

09/29/2026

Addictions and Mental Health Ontario's 2025/26 Annual Report, "Shaping What’s Next", is here!!

From advocacy wins and policy leadership, to strengthening member engagement and supporting system transformation, this year was all about shaping what’s next for Ontario’s mental health, substance use health and addictions sector.

A big thank you to our members, partners, and the AMHO team for everything you made possible this year!

Read our 2025/26 Annual Report here ⤵️
https://amho.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2526-AMHO-Annual-Report.pdf

09/28/2026

Today, AMHO members came together for a training and workshop session focused on strengthening data quality and building confidence in using Ontario’s Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Data Set.

Delivered by AMHO and our partners at Asurtec Solutions Inc., the session explored how organizations can use data to inform service planning, strengthen decision-making, and better understand the needs of the communities they serve.

Thank you to all the members who participated and shared their insights. We look forward to continuing to build a stronger data foundation for Ontario’s mental health and addictions sector together!