Online think tank to ignite health research collaborations

An online session Oct. 25 will bring together healthcare researchers, professionals, and community organizations.

The next WE-SPARK Think Tank will take place Friday, Oct. 25, offering an opportunity for researchers, students, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to come together and find solutions. This virtual session on Zoom will run from 1 to 3 p.m. and will feature two exciting projects.

Attendees are encouraged to bring fresh ideas, engage in problem-solving discussions, and build meaningful collaborations to drive these initiatives forward.

1. Improving Social Determinants of Health by Developing Relationships with Nature in the City
Presented by:

• Anneke Smit, Faculty of Law, University of Windsor
• Catherine Febria, the Healthy Headwaters Lab
• Clint Jacobs, Indigenous scholar, Indigenous Knowledge Table

This session, led by the University of Windsor’s National Urban Park Hub, will explore how green spaces within the proposed National Urban Park can improve the mental, physical, and spiritual health of the Windsor-Essex community. Researchers will share their findings on the positive effects of access to nature and seek insights from health-care professionals to support ongoing efforts with Parks Canada and local municipalities. Contributions from organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor Regional Hospital, Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare, Erie Shores Healthcare and the Windsor Essex County Health Unit will be crucial.

2. Exploring Opportunities for the Development and Integration of Survivorship Care for Cancer Patients
Presented by:

• Laura D'Alimonte, regional director, Windsor Regional Hospital Cancer Program

With rising cancer survival rates, this session will discuss the increasing importance of survivorship care. How can the healthcare community ensure that cancer patients receive continued care and support after treatment? Professionals in oncology, primary care, mental health, rehabilitation, and community health organizations are invited to contribute ideas that will help design integrated, patient-centered survivorship care programs.

WE-SPARK Think Tanks are designed to inspire collaboration and are ideal for anyone passionate about advancing health research and making a real difference in the community.

Click here to register for the event.