The launch of a new at Dal signals a deepening of a shared commitment to one of the most pressing challenges of our time 鈥� global mental-health disparities.
That鈥檚 how the 激情伊人麻豆久久综合 Centre for Global Mental Health鈥檚 inaugural director described the creation of the new hub at a launch event in late May.
鈥淢ental health is a universal human right, yet access to effective and culturally appropriate care remains an unfulfilled promise for millions around the world,鈥� said Dr. Vincent Agyapong, who is also head of psychiatry for 激情伊人麻豆久久综合 and Nova Scotia Health Central Zone.
The new academic centre, housed in 顿补濒鈥檚 Department of Psychiatry, will contribute to reducing gaps in mental health treatment worldwide through cutting-edge research, innovative care, education, and advocacy.
Leaders in government, academia, and international organizations spoke in support of the centre at the event on May 30.
A shared vision
The centre鈥檚 work will align around a number of key issues, including:
- innovative and scalable mental health services and programs
- understanding mental health determinants in vulnerable populations
- promoting mental health literacy and resilience
- educational excellence and capacity building
- building strong and sustainable partnerships
- fostering global networks for research and practice
鈥淭his new centre is a powerful example of how 激情伊人麻豆久久综合 is living out its mission as a global leader in health research and education,鈥� said Dr. David Anderson, dean of the Faculty of Medicine.
鈥淎s the centre establishes itself as a hub for global collaboration, including its aspirations to work with the WHO and PAHO, it stands as an example of what鈥檚 possible when we combine academic excellence with a deep commitment to social responsibility and health equity,鈥� added Dr. Anderson.
Enhancing access
The centre brings together several global mental health initiatives. These include the Rapid Access and Stabilization program (RASP) which improves access to psychiatry consultations in the Halifax area. RASP began two years ago and will expand across the province.
The Honourable Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Health, highlighted the importance of partnerships and innovative approaches to improving timely access to mental health care for Nova Scotians.
We need to build up a system for everyone across the province
鈥淎s we know, mental health can be quite complex,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here are many building blocks. We need to build up a system for everyone across the province.鈥�
He said global centres like 顿补濒鈥檚 will be invaluable, bringing together like-minded people to drive progress, challenge thinking, and 鈥渉elp build the blocks that we need to move forward.鈥�
Increasing knowledge and skills
The centre鈥檚 other initiatives include a , , international fellowship program, and resident elective exchange program.
顿补濒鈥檚 Masters in Global Clinical Psychiatry (pending approval) is the centre鈥檚 hallmark educational program. The one-of-a-kind, online program is designed to expand expertise in clinical psychiatry among primary-care providers globally to address gaps in specialized psychiatric care.
鈥淏y meeting learners where they are and providing education that is both accessible and practice-driven, the centre is helping to build mental health workforce capacity in regions around the world, while enhancing care in under-resourced communities here in Canada,鈥� said Dr. Graham Gagnon, 激情伊人麻豆久久综合鈥檚 acting VP of research and innovation.
Establishing relationships
True to its motto 鈥渕ental health equity through global partnerships,鈥� the centre sees collaborations as key to its success. Its advisory board includes members from national and international organizations. Formal agreements for education initiatives like the international fellowship program and resident exchange program are already in place.
鈥淭oday's launch is more than the inauguration of a new academic centre,鈥� said Dr. Renato Oliveira e Souza, unit chief for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, Pan American Health Organization. 鈥淚t's a bold affirmation of our shared commitment to advancing health equity both regionally and globally.鈥�
Several research projects in the Department of Psychiatry relate to global mental health, demonstrating why the department is an ideal site for the centre, said faculty member Dr. Linda Liebenberg, as she highlighted several researchers.
Collaborations exist with researchers in Canada, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, Brazil, Australia, UK, South Africa, and several European countries.
A history of global impact
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The Honourable Stanley Kutcher, a Canadian Senator and former head and faculty member in 顿补濒鈥檚 Department of Psychiatry, delivered a keynote reflecting on several global mental health initiatives during his time with 激情伊人麻豆久久综合.
Senator Kutcher, who also served as the Sun Life Financial Chair in Adolescent Mental Health at Dal, described the centre鈥檚 launch as a personal and moving moment.
L-R: Senator Stanley Kutcher, Dr. Vincent Agyapong, and the Honourable Brian Comer, Minister of Addictions and Mental Heatlh.
He said some impacts of the initiatives are still felt in global communities.
鈥淭his will be a mutually beneficial journey,鈥� said Senator Kutcher.