COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative: Working groups

COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) Initiative: About

Many Canadians are feeling the stress of self-isolation, as well as worry and anxiety regarding their health and their economic future. As the national COVID-19 pandemic response continues, it is clear that Canadians are experiencing a collective traumatic event. Furthermore, the Canadian healthcare system is under immense pressure due not only to the physical effects COVID-19 is having on our population, but also as a result of increased demand on mental health services – including those for problematic substance use.

To support the mental health of all Canadians and address the increase in needs during this unprecedented time, CIHR-INMHA is leading the development of a COVID-19 and Mental Health Initiative – a proactive response to provide urgent knowledge and evidence to support decision-making throughout the mental health responses to the pandemic. This Initiative is a collaboration with Health Canada (HC), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and five additional CIHR Institutes.

Expert Advisory Panel (EAP)

The COVID-19 and Mental Health (CMH) initiative has formed an external Expert Advisory Panel (EAP) to identify and advise on knowledge gaps related to mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel will advise the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Health Canada (HC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on how to access and mobilize the best evidence to support mental health systems and services in Canada.