See the full announcement here
The Health System Impact Fellowship program from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) in partnership with Health Research BC, Fonds de Recherche du Québec - Santé, and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation aims to help researchers’ career development by having them work in partnership with health system organizations to tackle complex, high-priority challenges, and ultimately strengthen health systems in Canada. The program blends research and professional development with practical, hands-on experience that is complemented by unique mentorship opportunities, designed to accelerate researchers' professional growth and potential to achieve evidence-informed health system impact.
The program spans a wide range of health system priorities, from improving transitions in care and supporting the wellbeing of our health workforce, to advancing access to health care in rural areas and innovating long-term care. Ultimately, their research will help Canada advance its progress toward improving people’s health and experiences with the health care system, health care workers’ well-being and satisfaction in their work, value, and equity.
In Saskatchewan, Dr. Miranda Field has been awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from CIHR and SHRF for her project entitled “Integrating Mental Health, Addictions and Well-Being Support for Indigenous Communities: A Comprehensive Approach.” The project will be led by a team of researchers, including Dr. JoLee Sasakamoose and Dr. Mamata Pandey, Thona Longneck, Executive Director of the First Nation Metis Health Department, Saskatchewan Health Authority, and supported by stakeholders, including the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), the Western Region III Metis Nation-SK and the University of Regina.
Seeking to enhance mental health, addiction, and well-being support among Indigenous communities, this collaborative endeavor strives to develop a comprehensive culturally responsive mental health and addiction care approach in Saskatchewan. Patient partners and Indigenous communities will lead in establishing accreditation protocols, requirements, and standards for Indigenous cultural responsiveness for improved mental health services and holistic care.
SHRF supports the Health System Impact Fellowship by providing the required 30% funding contribution on behalf of health system organizations that are interested in partnering with highly qualified PhD trainees and postdoctoral researchers in health services and policy research/related fields. This allows organizations to benefit from expertise in cutting- edge methodologies and analytics to advance goals and priorities, generate innovative solutions grounded in the best available evidence, and build in-house capacity for research.
Organizations interested in hosting a fellowship can find more information on CIHR's website.
Funded Projects
Miranda Field | University of Regina, Saskatchewan Health Authority
Supervisors: JoLee Sasakamoose | University of Regina
Thona Longneck | Saskatchewan Health Authority
$155,000
Integrating Mental Health, Addictions and Well-Being Support for Indigenous Communities: A Comprehensive Approach
The Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) is the provincial agency that funds, supports and promotes the impact of health research that matters to Saskatchewan. SHRF collaborates with stakeholders to contribute to the growth of a high-performing health system, culture of innovation and the improved health of citizens by strengthening research capacity and competitiveness, increasing the investment in health research in Saskatchewan and aligning research with the needs of our stakeholders.
Inquiries about SHRF's Partnership Program may be directed to Karen Tilsley, Director of Programs and Partnerships, at ktilsley@shrf.ca
At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.
Questions about the announcement or Canadian Institutes of Health Research, contact mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca