VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation receives $5 million anonymous donation to launch first translational research hub in Canada for mental health, addictions and pain
- Building off Dr. Pouya Azar’s unique clinical experience and world-leading research, the launch of the Innovations in Mental Health, Addictions and Pain Program is dedicated to developing patient-centred treatments and treatment protocols that revolutionize care for individuals and their families with substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and pain
VANCOUVER, BC (Sept. 11, 2024) – VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation today announced that an anonymous donor has gifted $5 million to establish the Translation Research for Psychiatry Endowment in honour of Dr. Soma Ganesan, who previously served as the Head & Medical Director of the VCH Department of Psychiatry. This endowment was motivated by the donor’s desire to support transformational advancements in mental health care, and it will initially support the launch of the Innovations in Mental Health, Addictions and Pain Program (IMAPP), led by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) clinician-scientist Dr. Pouya Azar. This translational research program will become a catalytic hub for advancement and the first research group in Canada to bring together specialists in mental health, addictions treatment, and pain medicine.
Dr. Azar, Head of the Complex Pain and Addiction Service (CPAS) within VGH’s Department of Psychiatry, leads a pioneering program that integrates ground-breaking research with clinical support for pain management, mental health, and substance use disorders. This first-of-its-kind service champions interdisciplinary collaboration to provide comprehensive care across all clinical services at VGH, the University of British Columbia (UBC) Hospital, and GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre. Building on the success of CPAS, IMAPP aims to bridge expertise across disciplines to advance projects that include pharmaceutical breakthroughs, technological innovations, prevention strategies, and more.
With the worsening opioid epidemic and rising rates of mental health disorders afflicting communities across B.C. and the world, IMAPP and Dr. Azar’s work is providing research and treatments for both addictions and mental health on a global scale. Compared to the general population, those facing mental illness are twice as likely to experience a substance use disorder. Similarly, people with a substance use disorders are three times more likely to have a mental illness. Research shows that integrated interventions that recognize the complex relationship between these concurrent disorders and treat them in harmony lead to the best possible patient outcomes.
Motivated by the real-life challenges of his patients, Dr. Azar is dedicated to improving treatment outcomes and prevention strategies for concurrent disorders. “I know we can improve care for those living with concurrent disorders and, every day, my patients inspire new ideas. Philanthropy is critical to pushing these ideas forward and providing my team with the resources needed to take them from concepts to life-saving treatments and treatment protocols,” said Dr. Azar.
For example, using funding previously provided by VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation donors, Dr. Azar is in the process of developing an Opioid Quantification Device. This cutting-edge device will allow clinicians to instantly determine the current quantity of opioids in a patient’s system and provide them with a more personalized dose of Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT). OAT is a key treatment for opioid use disorder, which uses medications like buprenorphine and methadone to prevent withdrawal, reduce cravings, and improve quality of life, supporting long-term recovery.
“Generous donors to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation support innovation in health care and this latest anonymous transformational gift is supporting the translation of cutting-edge research in psychiatric medicine to provide the best care for people living in British Columbia. Dr. Pouya Azar and psychiatrists at VGH are innovating in the treatment of patients facing concurrent mental health and addiction disorders. In the face of the opioid crisis such innovation is more critical than ever to save lives,” said Angela Chapman, President and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “Now, with the support of this $5 million donor endowment, Dr. Azar can build on his success through the creation of IMAPP. This is an important gift and endowment to fund research and innovation in psychiatry and improve psychiatric care in BC.”
Dr. Azar’s work is poised to form integral treatment options and protocols within the broad continuum of pain, addiction and concurrent disorder care in BC and beyond.
To learn more, visit vghfoundation.ca/imapp
About VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is Vancouver Coastal Health’s primary philanthropic partner, raising funds for specialized adult health care services and research for people living in British Columbia. VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is the leading charity investing in health care innovation in British Columbia and partners with donors to raise essential funds for Vancouver Coastal Health, supporting VGH, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and Community Health Services. For more information, please visit vghfoundation.ca.
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