To the Editor:
For the second consecutive year, The Salvation Army is announcing May as Dignity Month, and is releasing a report, "Canada Speaks 2012: Mental Health, Addictions and the Roots of Poverty." The report reveals perceptions and attitudes among the Canadian public about individuals dealing with addiction or suffering from mental illness.
The survey of more than 1,000 Canadians, conducted in February by Angus Reid Public Opinion, revealed that many Canadians have been personally touched by the issue, with 80 percent reporting that they have either a friend or family member who has experienced mental illness and/or addiction. Due to this surprising number, many Canadians empathize with those that suffer from either mental illness and/or addiction and are looking to the government and social service programs to provide additional assistance to these individuals and their families.
Key findings from our report include:
Most Canadians recognize the linkage between mental health and addiction with 71 percent agreeing that "a lot of people with addictions have mental health problems."
80 percent of survey respondents reported their belief that mental illness causes many Canadians to experience poverty.
87 percent of respondents believe that mental illness should be a higher priority for the government.
84 percent of those surveyed think that there should be more services to help people with addictions.
The Salvation Army provides direct, compassionate, hands-on service to more than 1.7 million people in Canada each year, restoring hope and dignity to the most vulnerable in society. As an international Christian organization that welcomes everyone, The Salvation Army's faith motivates its mission to serve and to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Chad Jeremy, Regina, SK.
