Dr. Cheryl Forchuk wins national mental health research award

Today, Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) Canada will present Dr. Cheryl Forchuk with the Recovery Research Award in honour of her achievements in mental health research. Dr. Forchuk, a professor in Western University's Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing with a cross-appointment in the Department of Psychiatry, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, has been instrumental in numerous social and policy changes supporting people experiencing mental illness.

The Recovery Research Award recognizes individual researchers whose work has made a significant impact in the areas of psychosocial rehabilitation practice or policy. Dr. Forchuk is a well-established leader in this field. Her research is focused on identifying social factors that influence mental health, and transforming them for better patient outcomes.

Dr. Forchuk takes a unique participatory approach to research, engaging those impacted by the issues - clients, their families, their caregivers, their employers, their governments - in every stage of the process. Her research partners include numerous universities, community agencies, and industry partners. The results of her studies have directly impacted government policy locally, provincially, and beyond.

Dr. Forchuck's recent projects include The Transitional Discharge Model (TDM) and the Mental Health Engagement Network (MHEN). The TDM acts as a safety net for patients discharging from hospital, keeping them connected with hospital staff until they are partnered with a community care provider. The MHEN, an innovative web and iPhone app, empowers clients with mood and anxiety disorders to manage their own recoveries.

The award will be presented to Dr. Forchuk at 9:45 a.m. this morning at the PSR Canada Conference at the Forest Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba.