British Columbia Depression REACH (Research, Education, Awareness and Care Hub) is an exciting new province-wide initiative to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for individuals with clinical depression. Based at the Mood Disorders Centre in the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (www.CentreForBrainHealth.ca; University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health), this integrative clinical research program includes collaborative centres from Vancouver, Fraser Health, Vancouver Island, the Interior, and northern BC. Our main goal is to work alongside clinicians and people with lived experience to share information, conduct research, promote awareness, and facilitate development of better services and resources based on high-quality scientific evidence and best practices.
BC Depression REACH is part of a national network of five regional depression research hubs that represent collaboration between the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Disorders (www.CANMAT.org) and the Canadian Depression Research and Intervention Network (www.CDRIN.org).
This initiative builds on strong relationships within diverse networks that encompass people with lived experience, front-line health care professionals, clinician-scientists, neuroscientists, educators, trainees, and research staff. BC Depression REACH represents a unique opportunity to develop innovative, meaningful programs that serve people with depression and their families in British Columbia.
Our first organizational meeting preceded the Mood Disorders Centre Clinical Day on August 22, 2014.