Pictured: Dr. Jill Murphy, the inaugural endowed Research Chair in Mental Health and Addictions at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, says the emphasis of her work will be on improving access to care to rural communities throughout Nova Scotia.
‘They’re serious about improving mental health and substance use care’
As the newly appointed endowed Research Chair in Mental Health and Addictions at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Dr. Jill Murphy says the emphasis of her work will be on improving access to care to rural communities throughout Nova Scotia.
With an extensive background in mental health services research worldwide, Dr. Murphy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role. The endowed chair is a collaboration among StFX, Nova Scotia Health and the QEII Foundation, with the Medavie Foundation as the first private funder of the project.
“My role will really be to focus on conducting collaborative research with communities, policy makers and people with lived experience to address gaps in access to care for mental health and substance use support here in Nova Scotia, especially with an emphasis on rural communities,’’ she shares.
“Nova Scotia has among the country’s highest rates of rural communities and people in rural communities face gaps in access to care, including having to travel long distances to major urban centres like Halifax to access care, and this really creates a dangerous barrier to mental health access,” says Dr. Murphy.
Having just moved to Antigonish from Vancouver a couple of months ago, she says her first step will be to better understand and collaboratively explore solutions that can be put in place to improve mental health and substance use care for people in rural Nova Scotia so they are able to access care supports where they live.
“I think it’s really important for people not to have to leave their community in order to get the care they need and for them to be able to get it in a timely manner,’’ she says.
Dr. Murphy also wants to recognize that rural communities have unique needs compared to urban areas, but they also have unique strengths, opportunities and a lot of diversity.
“A big part of the work will be to look at that equity lens in terms of looking at populations like racialized populations, Indigenous populations and gender and sexual diverse populations, to make sure we provide equitable care to everyone living in rural communities.’’
Another priority, she says, will be to talk to members of the community and convene relevant people representing policy makers, clinicians, community members and, most importantly, to hear from individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions. She’ll also be conducting a needs assessment focused on mental health in rural settings once funding is secured.
“I’m hopeful this is something that will take place within the next three to six months to hear from various members of rural communities and understand where the gaps are. Also, what the strengths are that currently exist and then to discuss with people how we can go forward collaboratively to do research together on solutions that would be appropriate and acceptable in these communities,’’ she adds.
It’s a big mandate, but Dr. Murphy is confident her work will have a significant impact on the mental health and substance use care access for Nova Scotians, particularly in rural areas. Although a lot of great research has already been done in Nova Scotia, she says her new position is unique because it focuses on rural settings and is situated in a rural community in eastern Nova Scotia.
She says funding, like that of the QEII Foundation, is crucial to support her new role and an investment that shows a commitment among the partners to improving mental health care for Nova Scotians in a way that’s evidence-based to make sure it’s grounded on solid research.
“It’s an investment that shows that they’re serious about improving mental health and substance use care in Nova Scotia. I think it’s a fantastic opportunity, but it’s also a very important sign of the government and the partners’ recognition of the prioritization of mental health and substance use needs of Nova Scotians.’’
The QEII Foundation is pleased to support an initiative of such importance to Nova Scotians and is enthusiastic about the outcomes of Dr. Murphy’s work during the course of her five-year term.
“Mental health and addictions support is a key pillar of the QEII Foundation’s We Are campaign and we’re incredibly proud to have contributed $1 million to this important initiative,’’ says Susan Mullin, President and CEO of the QEII Foundation.
“The appointment of Dr. Jill Murphy as the inaugural chair is a significant milestone for our province and we’re excited to see the innovative solutions and breakthrough research she drives forward within this role.’’