On March 23, 2015, the CoI held a Think Tank to explore the potential of OCAN for advancing equity in mental health. During this event, participants:
- Learned and identified the potential of the OCAN through the lens of service providers and clients from racialized populations;
- Explored what innovation is necessary to increase equitable mental health services for all; and
- Developed and share recommendations for using OCAN data that will guide future program and policy planning.
Over 75 participants from across the province attended in-person and virtually. The recordings of the presentations, which were broadcast live via webinar, and materials from the day are posted below. To view the backgrounder document click here.
Morning session
Welcome & Objectives - View the slides here
- Nina Acco Weston, CMHA Ontario
- Michael Antwi, CAMH
Overview of OCAN In Ontario
Ontario Common Assessment of Need (OCAN) Overview
Jennifer Zosky, Community Care Information Management - View the slides here
Using the OCAN to measure the needs of racialized communities
Frank Sirotich, CMHA Toronto - View the slides here
Watch Frank and Jennifer’s presentations. Please note that the recording begins about 5 minutes into Jennifer’s presentation. The slides are available for the beginning section.
Findings from CoI Consultations with Person with Lived Experience and Service
Providers; and Interviews with Senior Managers
Zahra Ismail, CMHA Ontario - View the slides here
Plenary Session: What are the key issues of OCAN for Racialized Populations?
Moderator: Zahra Ismail, CMHA Ontario
The panelists
- Deqa Farah, Community Resource Connections of Toronto
- Mahad Ali, Person with Lived Experience
- Helen Gottfried-UnRuh, CMHA Ottawa
View Helen’s slides here. Watch Zahra presentation and the panel’s presentations here.
Afternoon session
World Café Report Backs
In person participants brainstormed together in the afternoon to answer the following questions below. The report backs were broadcasted over webinar and webinar participants also provided feedback.
World Café Questions
- What are the strengths and limitations of OCAN as a planning tool for organizations in meeting the needs of racialized communities? (considerations for discussion: collection, analysis and use of OCAN data)
- What supports are needed from the system, agencies and staff to ensure that completion of the OCAN is a positive experience and that it helps meet the service needs of racialized populations?
- How can the OCAN be used in the future by organizations and the broader mental health system to respond to the needs of racialized clients?
Watch the valuable feedback on the potential of OCAN for advancing equity in mental health here.