Canadian Mennonite Health Assembly

Title: Canadian Mennonite Health Assembly fonds

Dates of creation: 1966-1998

Physical description: 13 cm of textual records

Administrative history: In 1966, Mennonite Central Committee (Canada) arranged a conference in Winnipeg for Canadian Mennonite hospitals and nursing homes. It was agreed that an annual meeting would be of mutual benefit. Originally named the Canadian Mennonite Hospitals and Homes Association, the group was renamed the Canadian Mennonite Health Assembly (CMHA) in 1973.

In 1973, it's goals were listed as providing for the exchange of information between institutions to improve service, developing and promoting educational and professional standards, improving administration, and encouraging a spiritual basis for the work of long term care facilities. Membership could consist of individual members of Mennonite churches along with representatives of Mennonite owned or operated health care facilities.

In 1987, there were 60 institutional members. The primary activity of the CMHA were the annual assemblies, held across the country. Assemblies have included topics such as aging, mental health, Mennonite faith and institutions, multiculturalism in the nursing home, end of life issues, and institutional governance.  As of 2016, CMHA assemblies continue to meet.

Custodial history: From the personal files of Newton L. Gingrich (file 1) and J.M. Nighswander (files 2-6).

Scope and content: Minutes, correspondence, newsletters, and other materials related to the meetings and administration of the CMHA.

Notes: For photographs related to the CMHA search the Mennonite Archival Image Database.
Further materials related to this congregation may be found by searching the Archives.
Original archival description created 2016 by Laureen Harder-Gissing.

File list:

1. Canadian Mennonite Hospitals and Homes Association
   Scope and content: "To my family, my pastor, my doctor, my lawyer," [19--], a form letter regarding wishes for end of life care; Meeting minutes, 1966-1967, 1971; Directory and report book, 1971.
2. CMHA annual assembly materials, 1976, 1984, 1986-1987, 1988-1997 (incomplete)
   Note: Includes handwritten notes on assembly presentations taken by J.M. Nighswander.
3. CMHA executive minutes, constitutions and bylaws, [1978?], 1985-1994 (incomplete)
   Note: Includes a task force study report, [1978?]
4. CMHA correspondence, 1979-1997 (incomplete)
5. CMHA newsletters, 1985-1998 (incomplete)
6. Miscellaneous
   Scope and content: Various undated materials, and literature from other Mennonite health-related organizations