Social, Prevention and Health Policy Research Department: Research Annual Report 2002

The Social, Prevention and Health Policy Research Department conducts innovative research, using state-of-the art methodological and statistical techniques in areas that are relevant and topical. Our research helps CAMH be among world leaders in conceptual knowledge.

CAMH has treatment, training, development, dissemination and community service functions in one organization. This allows researchers to interact directly with colleagues in other groups, providing a synergy lacking in more specialized organizations. It allows us to develop programs and services that are knowledge-based, and bring these programs and services to the community. It also allows researchers to set an agenda that responds to needs identified by the research community and by communities in Ontario.
In addition to our local research activities, many researchers in the department are engaged in international projects through the World Health Organization and other groups. The majority of our research is done with funding from external grants and contracts.

The Department contains six units: Culture, Community and Health Studies; Health Systems Research and Consulting; Population and Life Course Studies; Regulatory Policies and Legal Controls; Social Factors and Prevention Initiatives; and Women's Mental Health and Addictions. The Department houses the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit (OTRU). In addition, the we have a small core of people who conduct limited, community-based evaluations and provide evaluation consultation to community groups and agencies involved in addiction and mental health programming.

Fundamental to our mandate is that the research holds the promise of reducing the burden of harm from mental health problems and the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in Ontario. Specifically, the information we produce informs the research community, the public, policy makers and program developers, through reports, conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, position papers and media releases.

Our researchers are also often directly involved in product development, ensuring that their research is translated into effective resources. Ultimately, our work results in more effective, timely, evaluated programs and policies for mental health and addiction issues, leading to an improved health delivery system.

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