Susana Caxaj presents at the City Symposium

In this video, Susana Caxaj (Assistant Professor, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University) presents her research on migrant worker health. (Filmed at the Aeolian Hall)

You can also read more coverage of Susana Caxaj’s research here:

Research explores state of migrant worker protections (Western News)
Migrant worker research (CBC Windsor)
Does the seasonal agricultural worker program protect workers? (CBC London)

 

Seeking community members for meeting on artificial intelligence and health equity

Researchers at Western University and the University of Toronto are hosting a meeting that seeks to explore and discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) could either reduce or worsen health inequities in Canada. In addition to inviting AI scientists and health researchers to this meeting, we are also inviting those who may often not have a chance to voice their perspectives on issues like this, such as individuals from communities that are commonly underrepresented in relation to emerging health technologies. If you feel this applies to you or individuals you work with through your organization, please forward this to others and consider attending.

The event will run from 1-5pm on Thursday, November 7th and 8:30am-5pm on Friday, November 8th. Events on the 7th will take place at the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health, and events on the 8th will take place at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, both located in Toronto. In recognition of the travel and time investment required by this initiative, we would be happy to cover travel, meals, and accommodation expenses. The option to receive a modest honorarium proportionate to time invested also exists, based on individual circumstances.

If you are interested in attending and participating, or if you have any questions, please email Maxwell Smith (maxwell.smith@uwo.ca).

Mental health care delivery in Canada and Ghana: enhancing community integration of people diagnosed and treated for mental illness

On April 30, 2019, graduate student Joseph Adu delivered a poster presentation at Lawson Health Research Day regarding his proposed comparative analysis of community integration post-mental health hospitalization in Canada and Ghana. Both high-income and low-income nations face challenges in responding to the rising burden of mental illness. To mitigate the negative impacts of mental illnesses, it is imperative that those who seek acute care services are able to comfortably return to the community and to employment post-discharge.

View the full poster PDF

It is hoped that this proposed study will identify the key issues affecting the integration of mental health patients into communities and influence policy and practice where mental health services delivery are concerned.

Adu, J. & Oudshoorn, A. (Apr 30, 2019). Mental health care delivery in Canada and Ghana: Identifying resources and support networks to enhance community integration of people diagnosed and treated for mental illness.
Lawson Health Research Day, London, ON.

So, what is a Community Research Incubator?

But what is a Community Research Incubator, exactly? Great question!

Think of it as a recipe.

First, start with a room full of passionate and creative people: community leaders, researchers, program designers and evaluators, students, and others.

For the second ingredient, add some specific questions, problems, or projects into the mix for discussion. These might include program ideas, nascent research initiatives, materializing concepts in need of collaborators, and so on.

The next ingredient is a very thin layer of technology: a set of screens around the room that provide minute-by-minute updates of each conversation. This monitoring allows everyone in the room to self-organize and connect themselves to conservations where they feel they have the most to learn or contribute.

Lastly, stir everything together in a relaxed environment and provide some light refreshments to help keep up the glucose levels! (A nice topping is to add the option for those who are interested in purchasing a pint as well.)

Even if you cannot attend the Community Research Incubator, you can still contribute as a CRHESI member. Review the list of initial table discussions and forward this message on to anyone who you know who might be able to resource, support, or benefit from these topics.

If you have an idea, project, or problem in mind that you would like to bring to a future Community Research Incubator for broader collaboration and input, please let us know at info@crhesi.ca