NEWS RELEASE
HOMEWOOD RESEARCH INSTITUTE
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On Nov. 27, Homewood Research Institute (HRI) is opening its doors and inviting the Guelph community to learn about vital research being conducted by its scientists and trainees to improve treatment outcomes for people struggling with mental illness and addiction.
HRI Research Day 2018 takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the HRI offices located at 150 Delhi St., Guelph (Riverslea Building, Homewood lower grounds).
This is an informal, drop-in event, where researchers and scientists will be on-site to discuss findings that are advancing science and practice to improve mental health care in Canada and beyond.
Key research areas to be highlighted include:
Evaluating long-term outcomes of Canada’s mental health and addiction services
Currently there is no consistent way to measure whether or not our nation’s mental health and addiction services are working. Dr. Jean Costello, HRI research and evaluation scientist, will discuss the Recovery Journey Project, a flagship model developed by HRI for the long-term evaluation of addiction treatment.
The urgent need to advance treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD impacts 9 per cent of Canadians in their lifetime. Canada has the highest incidence of PTSD compared to 24 other affluent countries. Dr. Margaret McKinnon, Homewood research chair in mental health and trauma, will share details about the studies she is leading to better understand PTSD and help those who are suffering.
Finding solutions to address Canada’s growing addiction crisis
The economic cost of alcohol-related harm across Canada is $14.6 billion per year. Dr. James MacKillop, HRI senior scientist; and Peter Boris, chair in addictions research, will discuss how HRI is helping to improve practice and treatment outcomes for addicted individuals in Canada.
The rapid application of research to practice to help more people, sooner
It takes, on average, 17 years to move health research discoveries into practice to help patients. HRI Senior Research Associate, Sarah Sousa, will explain how HRI is working to change this by creating resources like the Data Visualization Tool for medical professionals and decision makers.
“Everyone in our community knows someone impacted by mental illness or addiction,” says Roy Cameron, executive director of HRI.
“HRI Research Day provides an opportunity to share the work we are doing to make a difference for all Canadians. Our researchers are leaders in their fields; they work collaboratively with a common goal -- to improve services and outcomes. We hope you will come to meet us and learn about our work."
HRI Research Day is open to the public. There is no cost to attend, and free parking is available. To register, please call 519-824-1010, ext. 2160 or sign up via Eventbrite.
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