For the last decade, Canada Life has played an integral role in the development of The Royal’s Brain Imaging Centre (BIC) by supporting the advancement of depression research at The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research. Their $1M donation was divided three ways between the BIC, depression research and a new initiative called Translation of Research into Care (TRIC).
The TRIC Grant supports interdisciplinary research projects that have the potential to improve care at The Royal. The six teams receiving funding through the TRIC Grant competition will look to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness. They also support the meaningful engagement of clients and families —a key factor driving mental health solutions.
“When clients are engaged in care and research we see consistently better outcomes,” said Dr. Florence Dzierszinski, president of the Institute of Mental Health Research and vice president of research at The Royal. “The TRIC Grant enables deeper integration of clinicians, scientists, clients and their families in a manner that truly facilitates bench-to-bedside research. Through our strategy, Co-creating access, hope and new possibilities, we are redefining how lived expertise can inform and shape care, education and research that advances our understanding of mental health and substance use disorders. I believe that programs like TRIC result in more intentional collaboration and more powerful exploration that has a resounding impact on client care.”
Together, donors like Canada Life and The Royal’s scientists, clinicians, staff, clients and caregivers are working shoulder-to-shoulder to help ensure that those struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders receive the care they need, when and where they need it.
“At Canada Life, we believe in supporting the well-being of Canadians and in the value of expertise,” said Debbie Down, Director, Community Relations, Canada Life. “That’s why we’re thrilled to support the innovative TRIC program – because it will bring together experts who can help make a tangible, positive impact in the mental health journey of Canadians every year. We know that mental health diagnosis, treatment and prevention play a vital part in creating strong and healthy communities.”
We are so grateful to Canada Life for the tremendous impact they are having on mental health research at The Royal.