Rural and northern community issues in mental health

Within these nine urban areas, municipalities with a population of less than 100,000 are also considered rural.4 The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) have developed a measurement of rurality for the purposes of financial incentive programs for physician recruitment and retention in underserviced northern and rural communities.5. [...] The availability and accessibility of a comprehensive basket of services supports continuity of care and the ability to provide a seamless system of services and supports. [...] Current government strategies to address the rural health workforce shortage The government of Ontario has implemented several strategies to support the recruitment and retention of rural health workforces including financial incentives, professional development opportunities to reduce professional isolation and the development of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.55. [...] The Psychiatry Outreach Program, a joint collaboration between the University of Toronto and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, provides clinical services and supports to northern and rural communities underserviced by mental health specialists.56. [...] Report submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Ontario Mental Health Foundation.