Government of Canada supporting innovative health research at the University of Regina

Researchers receive funding for cutting-edge research projects to study addiction and the health of personal support workers

REGINA, March 12, 2018 /CNW/ - Scientific discovery holds the key to finding solutions to many of the economic, social, and health challenges we face as a nation and around the world. That is why the Government of Canada proudly supports science in a number of key areas, which is ensuring Canadians thrive in the years to come.

Today, while visiting the University of Regina, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, highlighted a recent federal investment of $937,000 for health research at the University of Regina. This support, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), is part of a larger investment of $372M to enable researchers to study a full spectrum of health issues affecting the lives of Canadians.

While visiting the university, Minister Goodale met with Dr. Randy Johner, who received $451,000 to explore the use of smartphones and tablets to deliver culturally adapted substance addiction treatment support for people in remote and rural areas. Research has shown that the use of technology devices for delivering substance addiction treatment is not only cost-efficient when compared to treatment delivered by a counselor, but that it is also effective at engaging and treating patients with substance addiction issues.

The Minister also took a moment to recognize the work of the University of Regina's Dr. Shanthi Johnson. Dr. Johnson's team received a CIHR grant of $485,000 to enroll older adults receiving home care and their personal support workers in a home support exercise program. The goal of Dr. Johnson's project is to improve the physical health and reduce the incidence of falls among older adults while lowering rates of musculoskeletal disorders among personal support workers, whose jobs often result in strains and injuries from repeated lifting and carrying.

Quotes

"Congratulations to the researchers who have received these CIHR grants. Your important work holds the key to saving lives, discovering new treatments, scientific breakthroughs, the creation of the new knowledge that is at the core of advances in health, as well as achieving long-term cost savings in the health care system."
The Honourale Ralph Goodale
Minister Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness  

"This $372 million represents an enormous investment in health research for the science community and benefits all of Canada. Through these grants, CIHR is supporting researchers at all career stages, across the entire country, and in all areas of health research. Our investigators have made Canada a global leader in health research."
Dr. Roderick R. McInnes, CM, O.Ont, MD, PhD, FRSC
Acting President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

"University of Regina researchers are dedicated to improving the health of Canadians. Whether through developing technology that is able to provide culturally centred substance addiction support or by implementing exercises designed to improve health, reduce falls and lower rates of musculoskeletal disorders in older adults and their continuing care aides, these made-in-Saskatchewan innovations are truly changing lives for the better."
Dr. Vianne Timmons
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Regina

"I am very excited to receive this CIHR award. For the next three years, our multidisciplinary team of researchers from social work, engineering, sociology, medicine and nursing, will develop and pilot substance use treatment interventions for individuals with diverse learning needs, while using innovative technologies to develop a culturally-informed application (App). This project will build university and community partnerships, with the direct involvement of the Métis Addictions Council of Saskatchewan Inc. and their community members who will assist with creating and testing the App.
Dr. Randy Johner
Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Regina

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.

SOURCE Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Scott Bardsley, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681; Media Relations, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, 613-941-4563, [email protected]