EPID@Work (Enhancing the Prevention of Injury and Disability at Work) Research Institute at Lakehead University is proud to host Dr. Fergal O’Hagan at our upcoming EPID Talks on September 14, 2023 from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. EST.  In this presentation, entitled "Help! I Need Somebody: Help-Seeking Among Workers with Self-Reported Work-Related Mental Disorders," Dr. O’Hagan will discuss literature relating to the personal and contextual influences on help-seeking and report on a qualitative study conducted among workers with work-related mental health problems to better understand help-seeking dynamics in this population.

Please join us in-person at Lakehead University (CASES Building room FB 2023) or online via Zoom. You can find the registration link here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUKPpEZsXgHCEvW9XGSN5ZlST0hdbzcxoykqgOVEd00Q02zg/viewform?usp=sf_link

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting virtually and in-person.

Please share with your network and with anyone who may be interested in attending; we look forward to seeing you there!

EPID@Work (Enhancing the Prevention of Injury and Disability at Work) Research Institute is launching the largest cohort study ever conducted in Northwestern Ontario, which will examine workplace factors for mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. 

What is a cohort study? A cohort study is an observational, long-term study that follows a group of people over time. Anyone who completes the study will be contacted again in six months for a follow-up survey, and every six months after that as long as the study continues. The longer the study runs, the better researchers can collect and examine the data – potentially leading to groundbreaking conclusions and interventions for mental health in our workplaces.

Who can participate? All workers and all employers in Northwestern Ontario are encouraged to participate. 

All surveys will remain completely confidential.

Ultimately, the NOWWHS cohort study could have a big impact on the mental health and wellness of workplaces and workers in our region. With a large sample size and a long-term goal, EPID is hopeful that this study will become a powerful tool for change.

Getting involved in EPID’s cohort study is easy. Just visit www.workinghealth.ca to learn more, sign up your workplace or volunteer as an individual.

Lakehead University, Thunder Bay Campus, invites applications for a Communications Specialist with the EPID@Work Research Institute. This position is a limited term position until March 31, 2026 with the possibility of renewal. 

The EPID@Work Research Institute is seeking a qualified candidate for the role of Communications Specialist to be responsible for developing, executing, and maintaining internal and external knowledge mobilization communications. These communications will be from a stakeholder, research, and brand perspective, and will be in alignment with the EPID@Work strategic goals and knowledge mobilization best practices. 

The Communications Specialist will use persuasive writing and research skills to develop knowledge content and products for a wide variety of communication platforms including print, social/digital media, websites, events, conferences, and reports. The Communications Specialist will possess a strategic and creative mindset, paired with exceptional written and oral communications skills and meticulous attention to detail.  Ability to work and handle all knowledge management and partnership duties in a confidential and diplomatic manner is essential. Experience with social media management and graphic design software (e.g. Adobe Illustrator, Canva, etc.) is considered an asset.

The candidate will have post-secondary education, preferably in communications, journalism, or public relations, or equivalent combined with a minimum of two years’ experience in communications. They will have experience writing and creating for all media platforms.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a single PDF document containing a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of three professional references to:

Kelsey Raynard

Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, EPID@Work Research Institute

Email: karaynar@lakeheadu.ca

A completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada form must accompany your package. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Calling all Personal Support Workers, Registered Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses! Did you work in a Northwestern Ontario long-term care home between 2020 - 2022? We want to hear from you.

Fill out the Google Form to participate in our study: "Moral Distress During the Pandemic: Impacts on the Mental Health of Long-Term Care Home Staff." You can find the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkWgs7UnLqD1cD6PK2zj8kfhoQwk298yOTo2EO3iMCSPuEpg/viewform?usp=sf_link

For more information about this research, contact Caroline Sabotig at csabotig@lakeheadu.ca.

The goal of EPID@Work's seed grant program is to attract new and established scholars to conduct research addressing EPID@Work's mandate.

Applicants and applications for projects located in Northwestern Ontario (Manitouwadge and west) will be prioritized.

One call for applications will usually be made each year in the early spring.

The funds requested can range from $5,000 to a maximum of $20,000 per project. The project (including spending of funds) must be completed within one year of receiving funds.

Download the Seed Grant Application and Procedures pdf for full information

Help us obtain a physical therapists perspective of the role of technology in the assessment of mobility of brain injury survivors.

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact research.mobility@utoronto.ca or read more about the study here.

*Participants will be entitled to a 50$ e-gift card.

Since 2006 the Centre for Applied Health Research has hosted what has become the premier annual venue for the dissemination of research relevant to the health of Northwester Ontarians. Each year healthcare professionals, students and scientists are brought together to discuss health research through oral and poster presentations. The Showcase draws a broad audience who come to hear about work that is being done in our community.

EPID @ Work was thrilled to present a number of posters at this event:   

• "Wiiji Peer Support App and Indigenous Workplace Mental Health" - presented by Mannila Sandhu, Research Assistant

•  "Homeless Sector Frontline Workers' (HSFW) Support Needs During the Covid-19 Pandemic" - presented by Ainsley Miller, PhD Candidate. 

• "Remote Work from Home and Employee Mental Well-Being: A Scoping Review" - Congratulations to Kara Polson for being awarded the Learner Prize for her work.