New research chair to examine N.S. mental health and addictions care

Richard Isnor remembers discussing the idea of an endowed research chair in mental health and addictions at St. Francis Xavier University two years ago.

And now, thanks to funding from the Nova Scotia government and Medavie, the search is on for the right person to take the position. 

At a news conference at the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub in Halifax on Tuesday, the provincial government announced it has contributed $1 million to launch the chair. 

The Medavie Foundation said it will put forward $500,000, while the QEII Foundation has committed to raising $1 million to go toward the position. 

“That gives us a bit of a runway to get the additional funding ($2.5 million) we need to really endow it forever,” Isnor, associate president of research and graduate studies at St. F.X., said after the announcement. 

The successful candidate will be able to access data produced by Nova Scotia Health, look at issues plaguing the Nova Scotia health-care system and consider potential solutions to those issues and support applied research and clinical interventions to reduce system pressures. 

Isnor said he believes the endowed research chair in mental health and addictions at the university in Antigonish will be a first for Nova Scotia. 

“I’m sure there are other research chairs who touch on mental health issues, but this chair was always envisaged to play a key networking role with the other researchers in mental health and addictions across Nova Scotia,” Isnor said. 

Just under two-thirds (65 per cent) of Nova Scotians live with mental health and addictions challenges, according to St. F.X. 

“I think there is some data that indicates Nova Scotians suffer from mental health and addictions challenges to a higher degree than populations in other parts of the country,” Isnor said.

“And being in a rural location, we know that rural populations and particularly under-served populations have been disproportionately impacted by mental health and addictions challenges.” 

Brian Comer, the minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health, said when he worked as a mental health clinician, he saw first-hand the unique challenges that rural communities face, such as accessing transportation or virtual health care due to internet connections. 

“I think there is some data that indicates Nova Scotians suffer from mental health and addictions challenges to a higher degree than populations in other parts of the country.” 

– Richard Isnor

But with the help from the endowed research chair, Comer said he’s hoping the provincial government will be able to make policy changes where needed. 

Amanda Cockshutt, academic vice-president and provost at St. F.X., said the university is looking for someone who can “inform changes and policy in clinic practice or identify innovative solutions to mental health promotion and patient care.” 

Cockshutt said St. F.X. is hoping to launch the search for the right candidate before Christmas and have them appointed by July 1, 2024.