NEWS RELEASE
HOMEWOOD RESEARCH INSTITUTE
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A new fellowship established by Homewood Research Institute (HRI) in Guelph is bringing hope for first responders and healthcare workers living with trauma-related illness.
The Paul Horne Memorial Fellowship in Post-Traumatic Stress Injury and Recovery honours the legacy of Detective Inspector Paul Horne, a decorated military veteran, police officer, and loving father who lived with post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) as the result of on-the-job trauma. Tragically, Paul took his own life on Aug. 11, 2018.
To honour Paul’s memory, the Horne family has partnered with HRI, a Canadian charity and leader in mental health and addiction research, to advance research and discoveries that will help other first responders, including healthcare professionals, living with PTSI.
The fellowship supports post-doctoral fellows conducting research in PTSI diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with first responders and healthcare providers.
“Now more than ever, the magnitude of the mental health crisis among our country’s first responders and healthcare workers is clear,” says Paul’s brother, Rob Horne. "The COVID-19 pandemic has brought this problem into the spotlight. Now my family is shedding light on how we can help.”
Fellows will work alongside Dr. Margaret McKinnon, HRI Research Chair in Mental Health and Trauma and renowned trauma scientist, to conduct groundbreaking research that will make a difference in the lives of people experiencing trauma-related illnesses.
“There are very few clinician-scientists working in this vital area of trauma research and recovery in Canada,” says Dr. McKinnon .“But HRI is opening doors for new trauma scientists, including urgently needed clinician-scientists. These early career scientists are our greatest hope.”
The Horne family says that the Paul Horne Memorial Fellowship will accelerate the scientific progress already made by HRI, both in terms of diagnosing subtypes of trauma and in testing customized treatments for first responders, including healthcare professionals.
“This work is already underway at HRI, and our family is lending support to move it forward. This work will help others suffering from PTSI, and that’s what Paul would want,” says Horne.
The Horne family has made the first donation to the fellowship. “We are truly honoured to serve Paul’s legacy and our country in this way,” says Dr. McKinnon.
“Research that is turned into knowledge and quickly applied to help people is one of the greatest hopes we can offer. Every day, we count on our first responders to keep us safe. Today, we want them to know they can count on us to do the same.”
A launch ceremony for the Paul Horne Memorial Fellowship was held today, Thursday, March 18, at the McCrae House in Guelph, with limited attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Donations to the Paul Horne Memorial Fellowship can be made at www.hriresearch.com.
About HRI
Homewood Research Institute is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to transforming mental health and addiction treatment through research. We partner with leading scientists, universities, patients and clinicians to improve care, services and outcomes. For more information, visit www.hriresearch.com.
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