Province launches new Mental Health and Addictions Research Centre

Health PEI is pleased to announce the launch of a Mental Health and Addictions Research Centre. The research centre is led by Dr. Amanda Hudson, Director, Mental Health and Addictions Research, Health PEI. Dr. Hudson is providing oversight to a team comprised of a research coordinator, programming lead, clinical education department, and research committee.

"As we continue to redevelop our mental health and addictions system, the Mental Health and Addictions Research Centre will assist in advancing knowledge and understanding of mental health and addictions to support further development of evidence-based services for Islanders," said Corinne Rowswell, Chief Operating Officer at Health PEI. 

The new mental health and addictions research centre will have three broad priorities: Improving patient care through research and knowledge translation; promoting collaborative learning and higher education; and working together to advance science and practice.

This initiative will build capacity for research, knowledge exchange, multidisciplinary growth, and educational opportunities with affiliated institutions. Working closely with partners at academic institutions and national and local authorities on Mental Health and Addictions, research, evaluation, and education will be promoted across the entire system.

"By developing a network of researchers, clinicians, and persons with lived experiences, the centre will strive to advance science and practice, while prioritizing patients' experiences and needs," said Dr. Hudson. "The centre will build a strong link between research and service delivery, allowing for the rapid application of research to practice to support progressive, best-practice care to patients." 

The centre will build capacity for research, knowledge exchange, multidisciplinary growth, and educational opportunities with affiliated academic institutions.

Current projects include:

• JoyPopTM App Study (a mobile app designed to support healthy stress management and promote youth resilience)
• Improving Services for Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder in PEI: A Mixed-Method Study (funded by Health Canada)
• Cannabis-Related Psychiatric Emergency Department Presentations: Demographic Trends and Predictive Models (funded by Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse)
• E-Mental Health for parents and caregivers with anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: Improving access and matching services to need (funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research)
• Engaging people with lived experiences to understand barriers to treatment and innovative solutions in addictions services in PEI (funded by Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse)

Background

Mental Health and Addictions Services are available in communities across the province.

You may refer yourself to some services by calling a community mental health or addictions office in your area (please note that some services may require a referral from a health care provider). Our intake clinicians will ask you questions to help determine the services you need. This intake call may take 15 to 20 minutes, and you will be asked for your PEI Health Card number.

You may also request a referral to our services from your primary care provider, other health care professionals, or community agency familiar with your concerns.

Resources include:

Mental Health and Addictions Information Line: 1-833-533-9333

• Calls are answered by trained mental health and addictions staff
• Available 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday to Friday

Mental Health Walk-in Clinics also offer immediate support to help with anxiety, depression, and other complex and high-risk issues.

Emergencies

• For emergencies, please call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department.

Telephone resources

• The Island Helpline 1-800-218-2885 (toll-free) Available 24-hours, seven days a week
• Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) Available 24 hours, seven days a week

Bridge The Gapp Available 24 hours, seven days a week

Text CONNECT to 686868: You can chat with a trained volunteer Crisis Responder for support.

Crisis Services Canada Texting Support: Connect via text at 45645, 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Media contact:
Everton McLean
Senior Communications Officer
Health PEI
902-213-1507
emclean@gov.pe.ca