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| Panelists (left to right): Alessandro Alasia, Granger Avery, John Gordon, and Deatra Walsh. |
Growing Rural and Remote Health Research: Organizations that promote and facilitate networking and communication among rural and remote-focused researchers in BC and Canada
The 2010 BCRRHRN Scientific Exchange "Growing the Future of BC Rural Health Research", took place in
The panel was made up of representatives of four diverse BC and Canadian networks concerned with rural and remote health research. These special guests included: Alessandro Alasia, Network Coordinator, Canadian Rural Research Network; Granger Avery, Executive Director, Rural Coordination Centre for BC; John Gordon, Director, Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture; and Deatra Walsh, Board of Directors, Canadian Rural Health Research Society. Brief presentations by panelists on the goals and activities of their respective organizations were followed by an audience-engaging panel discussion on promoting and facilitating networking and communication among rural and remote-focused researchers in BC and
The following paragraphs provide brief introductions to the featured organizations along with links to their respective websites where additional information can be found. Complete Scientific Exchange event proceedings will be available soon on our website.
Canadian Rural Research Network (CRRN)
The CRRN facilitates sharing of research outputs and research-related information among a broad spectrum of rural stakeholders, from academia, the public sector and the private sector, including practitioners, professional consultants, formal and informal community groups and organizations, local government and government officials. In so doing, the CRRN aims to facilitate connections and partnerships among participants to the network.
The CRRN is a vehicle for partners on the demand and supply sides of rural research to keep up-to-date with rural research news, to make connections with other stakeholders or interested parties, and to develop partnerships for research and dissemination purposes.
The CRRN recognizes the value of rural research to the public good and the need to establish mechanisms to ensure that rural research is shared with the widest possible audience of individuals with an interest in rural issues. Website: http://rural-research-network.blogspot.com/
Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc)
The RCCbc develops and supports strategies that improve the health of individuals and rural communities by supporting the Continuum of Care by focusing on rural health education, network facilitation and interprofessional training and practice. The Continuum of Care encompasses individual patients in rural communities, professions in clinics and hospitals, Health Authorities, teaching institutions and government.
The RCCbc was first conceived in response to the concern in rural communities that they were being overwhelmed by requests and expectations from health education programs in BC to train students in their communities. It was clear that interprofessional cooperation and collaboration would be necessary if we continue to be dependent on rural physicians for their valuable educational contributions. Website: http://www.rccbc.ca/
Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture (CCHSA)
The CCHSA focuses its resources on addressing public health issues related to the agricultural rural ecosystem and bridge gaps that occur between the spectra of basic research, applied research, the community and policy. Established in 2006, the CCHSA’s mission is “to conduct and stimulate research, education, and health promotion programs aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of agricultural, rural and remote populations.”
CCSHR research focuses on four key areas: 1) What we breath – Inhalation Exposures; 2) What we eat and drink – Food Safety and Water Quality; 3) How we work – Working Conditions; 4) How we live – Rural Development and Health Issues. Website: http://www.cchsa-ccssma.usask.ca/
Canadian Rural Health Research Society (CRHRS)
The CRHRS offers the opportunity for researchers and their collaborators to network with new and established researchers of many disciplines engaged in rural, remote and northern health research. Each year, at their annual scientific meetings in October, they discuss current findings and seek to build new, and extend existing, networks among those with common research interests and goals.
Since 1999, they have worked to advance the cause of rural and remote health research in
