Two hundred-plus mental health researchers, stakeholders and patients gather to promote ways to address PTSD and suicide; offer glimpse of forthcoming training program Français
Ministers highlight federal government support for mental health initiatives
OTTAWA, March 27, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport and the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development) this week showcased the government's ongoing commitment to supporting Canadians suffering from mental health illnesses and their families at the first-ever Canadian Depression Research and Intervention Network (CDRIN) conference in Ottawa. The conference brought together researchers, clinicians and persons with lived experience to work towards better care and understanding of depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and prevention of suicide.
CDRIN – a patient oriented approach to research
The 2014 CDRIN conference, entitled Transforming Depression Through Connections also featured the participation of Her Excellency Mrs. Sharon Johnston, wife of the Right Honourable David Johnston, Canada's Governor General. Conference delegates met to share emerging ideas and challenges, discuss progress and knowledge nationally, and demonstrate how CDRIN will benefit the work of researchers and the needs of patients alike on a national scale.
CDRIN is a partnership between the Mood Disorders Society of Canada and the Mental Health Commission of Canada and represents a new way to address the enormous personal and social costs of depression. By bringing together researchers, clinicians and persons with lived experience, the Network will work to rapidly translate innovations in mental health research into practical care for Canadians across the country. Since its inception the Network has worked with members nationally to build research hubs across the country, has undertaken important research into suicidal behaviour and has developed the PTSD CME that will soon be launched.
The Government of Canada has contributed $5 million over five years to the Network.
The creation of a national network like CDRIN was recommended as part of a roundtable event in 2011 that brought together the most experienced and brightest minds from researchers to government to patients. The final report from this event is available here.
Government, community and doctors working toward better education programs to help doctors enhance their knowledge of PTSD diagnosis and treatments.
During her speech Minister Bergen offered a glimpse of efforts underway to see a training program aimed at helping individuals and families experiencing PTSD that will be available online for professionals completed and launched by late Spring 2014. The PTSD Continuing Medical Education (CME) training program, which was developed with the cooperation of CDRIN, the Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), will enhance the knowledge of physicians in the identification and treatment of PTSD, including information on available resources, latest treatment options and support networks throughout Canada.
This new interactive module will improve the delivery of health services to Canadians and their families who are experiencing PTSD, while at the same time providing physicians with the latest tools in diagnosing and treatment. The program was made possible thanks to a $200,000 investment by the Government of Canada. The first-ever, innovative program is currently being accredited by both the College of Family Physicians Canada and the Royal College Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and will be fully launched via the CMA and MDSC websites.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is proud to be investing in this national initiative, which is connecting researchers and experts across our country to better address mental illness and related issues. The research hubs announced today will promote patient focused, collaborative research that will ultimately help us better understand and treat depression and anxiety."
--Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health
"Our Government recognizes the importance of supporting mental health. I'm pleased to announce that we are supporting the efforts of health professionals and researchers to better understand and treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Canada through a new training program. The training will equip physicians and other health professionals with the knowledge they need to offer patient-centered, evidence-based treatment and care of PTSD."
-- Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development)
"The ultimate aim of this training program is to improve the delivery of health services to individuals and their families experiencing PTSD in Canada. Thanks to the Government of Canada's investment and due to the partnerships we have created, this program will train doctors to better help PTSD sufferers from all walks of Canadian life."
--Phil Upshall, National Executive Director, Mood Disorders Society of Canada, co-director, CDRIN
"This historic first conference underscores our shared commitment to promote better care and understanding of depression, PTSD, and prevention of suicide. CDRIN's ability to bring together researchers and persons with lived experience will help benefit all Canadians"
Louise Bradley, President and CEO, Mental Health Commission of Canada
Related Links
- CDRIN
- Mood Disorders Society of Canada
- Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Canadian Medical Association
#TDTC2014
@CDRINorg
SOURCE: CDRIN/MDSC
Media representatives may contact: Jacquie LaRocque, [email protected], 613-614-6339
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