Education partnership focuses on military health

Fanshawe College has partnered with the Canadian Institute for Military and Veterans Health Research (CIMVHR) to promote and improve the health of Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families.

The Institute funds research that addresses a wide range of issues that impact physical and mental health, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military personnel making the transition to civilian life and global geo-strategic issues.

Fanshawe is the second college to join the Institute. Queen’s University and the Royal Military College of Canada are the Institute’s co-founders and provide leadership for the CIMVHR.

“Joining the CIMVHR was a natural decision for Fanshawe,” said Darlene O’Neill, lead administrator, Military-Connected Campus at Fanshawe College. “This initiative allows us to expand our work with our military-connected community.” 

Fanshawe and its CIMVHR partners will collaborate on health research on military personnel, veterans and their families. Post-secondary institutions will also share their findings and best practices with each other.

“We will also work together to co-host conferences, symposia and workshops,” said O’Neill. “We will also share speakers at public events and participate in joint applications for research funding.”

In addition, Fanshawe will also participate at the Institute’s networking meeting and promote opportunities for students and faculty. 

As the first-ever Military-Connected Campus (MCC), Fanshawe College provides students, Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families with dedicated supports before and during their studies, as well as after graduation. 

Earlier in the year, Fanshawe became the first Canadian education institution to partner with the Military Spousal Employment Network, which provides job opportunities to military and veteran spouses across Canada.