Monday, October 24, 2011
Lawson Health Research Institute
Research Engages Community to Tackle Poverty and Mental Illness
London, ON - Lawson Health Research Institute’s Dr. Cheryl Forchuk is taking a new research approach: using the principles of scientific investigation and community engagement to address poverty and stigma in mental illness. Today key stakeholders will gather for the second Community-University Research Alliance (CURA2), a community-based project studying the inter-relationships between poverty, social inclusion and mental health.
CURA2 uses a unique participatory approach for research, training, and community building, bringing together people with mental illness, their family members, social service providers, employers, and policy decision-makers. Through collaboration, they will identify problem areas, develop practical action plans, allocate resources, and deliver solutions directly in the community.
The first CURA project, on housing and mental health, yielded enormous success. The group authored several papers and presentations, which contributed to education, training, and even policy changes. As the next phase launches, Dr. Forchuk hopes to continue to impact funders and decision makers.
“Bringing everyone together to identify the challenges invests all of us in finding the solutions,” Dr. Forchuk says. “We share the same goal, but we bring unique backgrounds, skills and experiences to help us develop approaches that work.”
“Since this project is geared towards inclusion for people who have experienced mental illness, it is so important that we are included as co-leaders in this research process,” adds Betty Edwards, a CURA2 Community Leader who has experienced mental health care firsthand.
CURA is hosted in conjunction with Can-Voice, a member-run peer support organization for the education and empowerment of consumers and survivors of the Mental Health System.
Media Contact:
Sonya Gilpin
Communications and Public Relations
Lawson Health Research Institute
519-685-8500 ext 75852
519-854-7164
sonya.gilpin@lawsonresearch.com
www.lawsonresearch.com
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