A new project being launched at Durham College’s Social Impact Hub focuses on studying and improving mental health care for Black communities, funded by a freshly announced federal grant of $360,000 under the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program.
Lead researcher on the project, Dr. Crystal Garvey, is a Durham College faculty member as well as an OPSEU/SEFPO Equity Board Member and the OPSEU/SEFPO Equity Vice-President, sitting on the Provincial Women’s Committee.
The project will partner the Social Impact Hub with the Health Research Council for People of African Descent, the Regional Municipality of Durham, Black Health Alliance and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.
Garvey speaks to the importance of this work, saying, “Historically, when decisions are being made for members of the community who have to access the healthcare system, they’re made by leaders and experts who are not representative of the groups they are serving or making decisions for. What makes this research different is that it is a co-creation piece, where those who actually use the services and are navigating the system will now have a say in what bridging the gaps look like.”
“I hope that we can be the community that breaks down barriers and makes sure that mental health care is being received equitably and fairly,” Garvey added. “This research, in collaboration with community support and involvement, is going to change the status quo and belief systems associated with mental health…I say with all confidence that it’s going to be a game changer.”