National Coalition on Dual Diagnosis
In November 2008, four organizations launched the National Coalition on Dual Diagnosis. The objective of the National Coalition on Dual Diagnosis is to support Canadians with both a developmental disability and a mental health problem, and their families. CARE-ID/ACREDI is one of the founding partners in the National Coalition and provides the home website to access the Advocacy Toolkit and related documents.
Advocacy Toolkit documents
These materials were developed so that advocates for people with dual diagnosis have the “tools” to help them make their case as effectively as possible. They are based on simple straightforward, plain language that the dual diagnosis field can use uniformly to make our case to decision-makers. They are easy to understand, put a human face on dual diagnosis, and outline clearly defined solutions. They are for anyone’s use locally, regionally, provincially or federally.
The toolkit documents include the following
Position Statement (PDF) written by families and professionals from across Canada
Factsheet – summary information of data available
FAQ Sheet – brief answers to frequently asked questions about dual diagnosis
Real life Stories (PDF) to bring the day to day experiences to life
Glossary – of terms most often used
Backgrounder – back ground document as to why individuals with a dual diagnosis and their families experience service and system challenges
Plain language pamphlet – a 4 page document that explains what dual diagnosis is, what is needed, and the Coalition. It can be used to design your own pamphlet with your local information.
Recommended uses of the toolkit materials
In preparation for the Spring of 2009 consultation process in relation to the national strategy – here are some suggestions:
- Post on your websites
- Publish selections in your organization newsletters.
- Customize the material for your local situation - everything in the materials will not pertain to every situation. Cut and paste, and use what works locally – while adding your own spin.
- Use portions of the materials to compose letters to politicians or letters to the editor.
- Use the materials as “leave-behinds” when visiting politicians or government people
- Use as a basis for letters to candidates and political parties during elections
- Use some of the materials to formulate clear “asks” from decision-makers so they are not confused about what you want changed.
- Engage local media to write stories regarding dual diagnosis – offer these materials as background for their stories.
- Take the materials to conferences, consultations, and planning meetings to ensure fellow attendees are fully briefed on the issues you care most about.
- Circulate to relevant government Task Forces
- Take relevant materials to your family physician, professionals, para-professionals and other service providers to assist with individual advocacy.
- Circulate to family members and friends so that they can understand and be more supportive.
Additional document links:
To join the growing membership of the National Coalition and receive updates of events or developments: send your name, e-mail address, note your organization and profession (if applicable) or ‘family” affiliation, and province of residence to: Susan_Morris@camh.net