Lambton College, Local organizations collaborate on community-based research projects
SARNIA, September 9, 2024 – Lambton College is pleased to announce two community-based research projects in collaboration with a group of local partners including The Centre, formerly the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre Sarnia-Lambton, the Blue Water Association for Safety, Environment, and Sustainability (BASES) and the Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Teams (OHTs). Both projects are being spearheaded by the College’s Centre for Community, Health & Social Impact (CCHSI).
Empowering Change Through GBV Research
In collaboration with The Centre and the Blue Water Association for Safety, Environment, and Sustainability (BASES), the project is focused on the development of evidence-based interactive programming to engage men in allyship to combat gender-based violence (GBV). A year ago, members of Lambton County Council voted unanimously to declare intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic in the City of Sarnia and County of Lambton based on alarming statistics in the region, including a significant rise in IPV incidents. This initiative aims to create a safer community through education, awareness, and systemic change. The project will establish the Male Ally Coalition (MAC), an innovative effort to foster gender equity and enhance community safety.
Innovative Solutions in Healthcare: Social Prescribing
With a focus on bettering local public health services, Lambton College’s CCHSI is collaborating with the Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) on a pioneering social prescribing initiative. This research addresses the critical shortage of primary care providers in rural Southwestern Ontario by linking patients to non-medical supports that address social determinants of health. By evaluating and optimizing these initiatives, the project aims to improve health outcomes and reduce the strain on the healthcare system.
“Lambton College is proud to collaborate with these local and regional partners on such vital research initiatives,” said Dr. Mehdi Sheikhzadeh, Senior Vice-President, Research & Innovation. “Through these partnerships, we are leveraging our collective expertise to drive positive change that will benefit the residents of Sarnia-Lambton and beyond. These projects not only advance our understanding of gender-based violence and healthcare accessibility but also lay the groundwork for future innovations that will have a lasting impact on our society.”
Both three-year-long projects are being led by the College’s CCHSI, thanks to funding awarded by the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and supported by other tri-council agencies. Lambton was awarded a total of $720K for both projects over three years. The College remains committed to fostering innovation and addressing the needs of the Sarnia-Lambton community through impactful research and collaboration.
About Lambton College’s Centre for Community, Health & Social Impact (CCHSI)M
The CCHSI at Lambton College empowers individuals and organizations committed to addressing health and social challenges. With expertise in strategizing research approaches and implementation, CCHSI aims to support initiatives designed to improve community resilience and lay the groundwork for a sustainable tomorrow.
For more information about Research & Innovation at Lambton College, including past and current projects, or to explore partnership opportunities, please visit lambtoncollege.ca/research.