> Information > Reports

Mental Health and Addiction
Third Annual Meeting
November 26 & 27, 2004
“A Feast of Science and Partnership”

January 2005

I was asked to attend this annual meeting as the CANN representative in November 2004. The work of the CIHR and this institute in particular is well to know to our organization, largely due to the tremendous contribution made by Marlene Reimer from our organization. She has been involved with this institute since its inception, and her work and contribution is highly respected. I believe it has been her influence that has led to organization seeking out the contribution and participation of nurses in their work.

The meeting was an opportunity to see what the institute has been involved in over the past year. The format for the meeting was outstanding. Several areas of neurological disorder, mental health and addiction were highlighted. Each disorder was presented to the audience with a patient presenting their story of living with the condition, followed by a medical update and current research in this field. It was a well planned format conducive to getting out the message that those individuals that suffer with health issues at the centre of the work done by the institute.

The networking opportunities at the meeting were tremendous. Health care professionals and researchers from across the country attended, as well as leaders from various voluntary health organizations. It was inspiring to be a part of this group of people and witness how collaboration can work together for the benefit of the patients and their families.

As neuroscience nursing and allied health professionals, our work and contribution is acknowledged and respected. Do not underestimate the difference that each of you makes in the contribution of care to your patients and families in whatever position you hold. The involment of CANN will hopefully continue with CIHR and the Institute of Neurosciences.

Darlene Schindel RN, BScN, MHS