University of Regina

REGINA, Saskatchewan--( BUSINESS WIRE )-- PSPNET Families is excited to offer an online wellbeing hub designed to support the specific yet diverse challenges faced by loved ones of public safety personnel (PSP), including spouses or significant others, parents, close friends, siblings, and adult children. PSPNET Families is a collaboration between PSPNET, the Families Matter Research Group at Queen’s University, and the Child Trauma Research Centre at the University of Regina, with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada, that develops and shares evidence-based mental health resources for this unique audience. “Families matter unequivocally in their own right with experiences, needs, and issues directly and indirectly related to the occupations of the family member,” notes Heidi Cramm, Co-principal investigator of PSPNET Families, and research lead for the Families Matter Research Group. PSPNET Families launched in July 2022 with the Spouse or Significant Other (SSO) wellbeing course , designed as a self-guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) program that helps spouses with low mood, worry, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. With the launch of www.pspnetfamilies.ca , PSPNET Families now offers new resources with ever-expanding content and strategies for navigating their own needs. The site also offers content and strategies for family members living with PSP work requirements such as shiftwork, disrupted sleep, missed celebrations, trauma exposure and their implications on communication, problem solving, and childcare. “Often, knowing that other people are having the same experiences, concerns, and issues can be supportive of a person’s mental health as they can know they are not alone in having the feelings they are having. One aspiration for this site is to offer visitors access to shared knowledge coming from experience, and also practical options of what they can try,” said Dr. Nathalie Reid, Co-principal investigator of PSPNET Families “This new online wellbeing hub will help advance our goal of providing a wide range of information and strategies to help PSP loved ones in need in a free and accessible way,” said Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos, Co-principal investigator of PSPNET Families. “If your loved one is a PSP, you will find a wide array of materials that can help you navigate your unique life circumstances.” To learn more about these resources and support available for PSP families, visit www.pspnetfamilies.ca About PSPNET Families The PSPNET Families Wellbeing Hub is developed through funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada. It provides an accessible online hub of evidence-based, trauma-informed mental health information and resources, created and delivered with a rich foundation and understanding of what it means to be “on the job” for the family members of PSP. The PSPNET Families research team is led by Co-Principal Investigators Dr. Heidi Cramm, Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos and Dr. Nathalie Reid. For more on PSPNET Families, please visit: www.pspnetfamilies.ca About PSPNET PSPNET is a clinical unit within the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) based at the University of Regina and funded by the Government of Canada. PSPNET delivers services online and makes use of Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) programs initially developed at Macquarie University in Australia and tailored to public safety personnel (PSP). The PSPNET team includes diverse clinical staff with extensive experience specifically working with PSP. PSPNET offers two programs: 1) the PSP Wellbeing Course for clients who have diverse mental health concerns (in self-guided and therapist-guided format); 2) the PSP PTSD Course, which is tailored to clients who are primarily concerned with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (In therapist-guided format). The PSPNET team is led by Dr. Heather Hadjistavropoulos. For more on PSPNET, please visit: https://www.pspnet.ca About the Child Trauma Research Centre The Child Trauma Research Centre (CTRC), works to actively shape the world in which we wish to live. Since its inception, it has functioned with a spirit of cooperation, working alongside stakeholder groups and across sectors to build the relationships necessary to create an innovative research program. Grounding ourselves in strength-based approaches, we continuously seek to mitigate the social and economic determinants of child trauma. This team is led by Dr. Nathalie Reid. For more on CTRC, please visit: www.childtraumaresearch.ca About the Families Matter Research Group The Families Matter Research Group (FMRG) is the primary pathway for leading research dedicated to improving the health and well-being of those connected to high-risk occupations, with a focus on the families of military, veteran, and PSP. These families are shaped by occupational risks and requirements of those jobs, and they face unique challenges related to logistics, exposure to risk, absence, and relating to the broader community. We are building a hub to engage with families and organizations to connect them to evidence-based supports and those who study, serve, and support them. This team is led by Dr. Heidi Cramm. For more on FMRG, please visit: http://www.fmrg.ca/

The Social Science Research Council is providing USD 7.2 million to 12 teams advancing ambitious, applied social and behavioral science to combat the growing global threat posed by low Covid-19 vaccination rates and public health mis- and disinformation NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) announced it will provide an initial USD 7.2 million in direct research funds to 12 teams working in 17 countries in order to better understand how health mis- and disinformation spreads, how to combat it, and how to build stronger information systems, while increasing Covid-19 vaccination rates. Through the Mercury Project—enabled by The Rockefeller Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation with a total of USD 10.25 million so far—the SSRC is supporting a first cohort of social and behavioral scientists from around the world to generate much-needed new research on locally tailored solutions in Bolivia, Brazil, Côte D'Ivoire, Ghana, Haiti, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, United States, and Zimbabwe. Following the characterization of inaccurate health information by the U.S. Surgeon General as an "urgent threat," and by the World Health Organization as an "infodemic," the SSRC issued a call for proposals to counter the growing global threats posed by public health mis- and disinformation and low Covid-19 vaccination rates, and received nearly 200 submissions from around the world. "With Covid-19 prevalent and rapidly evolving everywhere, there is a pressing need to identify interventions with the potential to increase vaccination take-up. Vaccines are only effective if they become vaccinations; vaccines are a scientific marvel but their potential is unfulfilled if they are left on the shelf," said Anna Harvey, President of SSRC. "The large volume of high-quality proposals submitted to the Mercury Project underscores just how eager the social and behavioral science community is to evaluate interventions to increase vaccination demand and build healthier information environments." Researchers in the Mercury Project's first cohort are affiliated with research institutions and implementing partners around the world: Canada: University of Regina Côte d'Ivoire: Centre for Research and Action for Peace England: The London School of Economics, London School of Health and Tropical Medicine, the University of Bristol, University of Lincoln, and University of Warwick France: Aix-Marseille School of Economics Ghana: Ghana Health Service, Innovations for Poverty Action, University of Health and Allied Sciences Haiti: Zanmi Lasante (Partners in Health) Kenya: Partnership for African Social and Governance Research India: Centre for Policy Research Malawi: Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo (Partners in Health) Mexico: Center for Research and Teaching in Economics, Institute Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico, and Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey Sierra Leone: Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Ram Labs, Unicef Spain: University Carlos III Rwanda: Inshuti Mu Buzima (Partners in Health) Tanzania: Economic and Social Research Foundation, National Institute of Medical Research, University of Dar es Salaam United States: Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Duke, Harvard and Harvard Medical School, MIT, New York University, Rutgers, St. Augustine University, Stanford, UC Berkeley, University of Southern California, the University of Chicago, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan, Vanderbilt, and Yale "This initial cohort's ideas exemplify the creativity and vision behind the Mercury Project," said Dr. Bruce Gellin, Chief of Global Public Health Strategy at The Rockefeller Foundation. "They go far beyond quick fixes, with the goal of identifying robust, cost-effective, and meaningful solutions that can be widely adopted and scaled. We hope that more, better, and science-based knowledge about what we need to do will lead to increased uptake of reliable information—and serve as a powerful counter to the effects of misinformation and disinformation on vaccine demand." Funded projects will provide evidence about what works–and doesn't–in specific places and for specific groups to increase Covid-19 vaccination take-up, including what is feasible on the ground and has the potential to be cost-effective at scale. Each of the 12 teams will have access to findings from the other teams while exploring interventions including, but not limited to: Conducting literacy training for secondary school students in partnership with local authorities to help students identify Covid-19 vaccine misinformation; Equipping trusted messengers with communication strategies to increase Covid-19 vaccination demand; Using social networks to share tailored, community-developed messaging to increase Covid-19 vaccination demand. The complete list of grantees, and descriptions of each project, are at . "The viral, vaccine, and information environments are all rapidly evolving–but that doesn't mean it is impossible to make progress towards more effective and equitable responses," said Heather Lanthorn, Program Director at the Mercury Project. "By funding projects on the ground around the world, this work will help us understand what works where, and why, and identify new ways to harness the power of connection and communication to advance public health goals." The three-year Mercury Project, which launched in November 2021 with USD 7.5 million in seed funding from The Rockefeller Foundation and additional support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, applies the principles of large-scale, team-based science to the problem of vaccination demand. SSRC carefully selected interdisciplinary, interinstitutional, and international teams—with over 80 participating researchers—to create a network that can work in coordination to tackle the global problems of Covid-19 vaccine misinformation and low vaccination take-up. Regular convenings, both virtual and in-person, will ensure that grantee research projects are both informed by and inform health and technology decision-makers around the world. The first convening will occur in late August at The Rockefeller Foundation's Bellagio Center in Italy, where thousands of scientists, policymakers, authors, and artists have turned innovative ideas into action since 1959. Grantee teams will share their research designs with each other and with global health policy leaders, and will build a shared research framework to guide evaluations of interventions to increase Covid-19 vaccination demand and create healthier information environments. A second cohort of research teams will receive funding from the National Science Foundation. More information about the Mercury Project can be found on the Social Science Research Council website. About the Social Science Research Council The Social Science Research Council, an independent and international nonprofit, mobilizes necessary knowledge for the public good by supporting social and behavioral science worldwide, generating new research across disciplines and linking researchers with decision-makers. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at ssrc.org and follow us on Twitter @ssrc_org and LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/social-science-research-council. About The Rockefeller Foundation The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation to enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We work to promote the well-being of humanity and make opportunity universal. Our focus is on scaling renewable energy for all, stimulating economic mobility, and ensuring equitable access to healthy and nutritious food. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at rockefellerfoundation.org and follow us on Twitter @RockefellerFdn.

REGINA, SK, Aug. 19, 2022 /CNW/ - The RCMP Academy is pleased to highlight that the first official paper was released for the RCMP Longitudinal PTSD Study. The RCMP Protocol Paper, published in the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada Journal (HPCDP Journal), features a novel study protocol for assessing and reducing post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) in the RCMP and those who serve. Public Safety Personnel (PSP) play a critical role in keeping our communities safe. In the course of day-to-day work, PSP respond to many traumatic incidents. These increased exposures put them at greater risk for PTSI. Led by R. Nicholas Carleton, Ph. D, of the University of Regina, this 10-year study investigates PTSI, including but not limited to, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), among RCMP officers. The study officially began with cadets in April 2019, and after a few pandemic related delays, it is now well underway. RCMP Cadets have the opportunity to take part in this innovative and important research. Participation is voluntary and begins on the very first day of training. It continues through graduation, first postings, and the first five years of the member's career. This protocol paper is a "roadmap" of the RCMP Longitudinal PTSD Study, designed to evaluate an evidence-informed, proactive system of mental health assessment and training among the RCMP. The paper lays out the study so that it can be replicated and will establish a standard for conducting similar research in the future. Early data and training developed from the study is already having a positive impact on mental health of the participants and cadets. Findings and best practices stemming from the study will help inform policy and action - first for the RCMP and ultimately to other public safety organizations both nationally and internationally. Quotes: "Depot is one of a Regular Member's first experiences of the RCMP. Being part of this ground-breaking study will help us glean important data to improve emotional resilience. We know more and more each day about mental health and as the training academy for the RCMP, instilling good techniques and practices will have a big impact on resilience throughout these future officer's careers." - Inspector Kimberley Pasloske, Acting Training Officer, RCMP Depot Division "Here at Depot, we do not support the outdated attitude that mental health injuries are not real. Contributing to this innovative, and important study is one way we are shifting awareness around mental health and wellness. The findings from this study have the potential to advance the way mental health is monitored, assessed, and treated in the RCMP." - Chief Superintendent Sylvie Bourassa-Muise, Commanding Officer, RCMP Depot Division "I want to emphatically thank the RCMP, RCMP Academy and the Government of Canada for their vision, leadership and unwavering support of the RCMP Longitudinal PTSD Study. Public Safety Personnel (PSP) from Canada and around the world are watching because they believe we may have finally built what will be an evidence-based solution to protect PSP mental health." - R. Nicholas Carleton, Ph. D Scientific Director, Canadian Institute of Public Safety Research and Treatment Background In a global first and unprecedented study, the RCMP began a 10-year longitudinal study investigating post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) within the RCMP. The study begins with cadet participation, and will follow those cadets after they become members in the field for a period of five years. The RCMP PTSI study is a critical part of the Federal National Action Plan on PTSI. The RCMP is the technical authority on this project, however is not involved in gathering or analyzing the information provided by the participants in the study. The study is led by researchers in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts at the University of Regina. The RCMP's role is simply to connect cadets with the research team on the first day of training. Related Links RCMP Longitudinal PTSD Study Carleton RN, Krätzig GP, Sauer-Zavala S, et al. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Study: protocol for a prospective investigation of mental health risk and resilience factors. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can. 2022;42(8):319-33. Federal National Action Plan on PTSI SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police