COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative
COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative
Many Canadians are feeling the stress of self-isolation, as well as worry and anxiety regarding their health and their economic future. As the national COVID-19 pandemic response continues, it is clear that Canadians are experiencing a collective traumatic event. Furthermore, the Canadian healthcare system is under immense pressure due not only to the physical effects COVID-19 is having on our population, but also as a result of increased demand on mental health services — including those for problematic substance use.
To support the mental health of all Canadians and address the increase in needs during this unprecedented time, CIHR-INMHA is leading the development of a COVID-19 and Mental Health Initiative — a proactive response to provide urgent knowledge and evidence to support decision-making throughout the mental health responses to the pandemic. This Initiative is a collaboration with Health Canada (HC), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and five additional CIHR Institutes.
About
The CMH Initative was created to support the mental health and substance use needs of Canadians in the COVID-19 context.
Research
Read the latest research on Canadian mental health and substance use challenges in the COVID-19 context.
Funding
Funding for a CIHR COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative.
Knowledge Mobilization
Find authoritative, evidence-based knowledge products that support the mental health and substance use needs of Canadians
Knowledge Mobilization
As a researcher who focuses on complex public health issues such as domestic violence and mental health, Dr. Stephanie Montesanti says it was clear early on the pandemic would cause an increased need for virtual care for individuals experiencing domestic violence.
A senior scientist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Dr. Anna Gagliardi’s research typically focuses on women’s health, patient/family engagement and person-centred care. But as the pandemic shined a spotlight on inequities and gaps in services throughout the healthcare system, Dr. Gagliardi and her team adjusted their focus to develop a knowledge synthesis on strategies to support the mental health of diverse patients waiting for procedures delayed by COVID-19.
As the Women’s Health Research Chair in Mental Health for the Faculty of Health at York University, Dr. Nazilla Khanlou says gender-based violence didn’t start with the pandemic, but the pandemic has made it worse.
Key messages: Mental health and substance use impacts of COVID-19 on individuals with a pre-existing mental illness
May 26, 2021
See important findings from research projects funded through the COVID-19 and Mental Health Initiative’s Knowledge Synthesis: COVID-19 in Mental Health and Substance Use funding opportunity.
Contact information
Telephone: 613-954-1968
Toll Free: 1-888-603-4178
Email: COVID19MH-COVID19SM@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
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