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Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

Over the last 15 years, the number of childhood deaths has been cut in half. This proves that it is possible to win the fight against almost every disease. Still, we are spending an astonishing amount of money and resources on treating illnesses that are surprisingly easy to prevent. The new goal for worldwide good health promotes healthy lifestyles, preventive measures and modern, efficient healthcare for everyone.

HOW SFU IS CONTRIBUTING

Engagement

Located in downtown Vancouver, RADIUS SFU offers support to individuals, student organizations, social ventures including the RADIUS Health Promotion lab.

MINDMAPBC

MindMapBC is a custom-made database of outpatient mental health services including professional counseling, peer counseling, support groups and others. Where possible, services are free, low-cost, or sliding scale and self-referral services—meaning you do not need to see a doctor before accessing the service. MindMapBC was developed as a collaborative project between several community-based agencies working with the 2S/LGBTQ+ communities, including SFU's Roundtable: BC’s 2S/LGBTQ+ Mental Health & Substance Use Networking Space.

Learn more at MindMapBC

RADIUS SFU | HEALTH PROMOTION LAB

The RADIUS Health Promotion Lab aims to centre health equity while fostering the creation and incubation of equity-based models, ventures, partnerships and interventions by those from communities disproportionally impacted by health inequities.  

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Increasing social connectivity and wellness for newcomers in Burnaby: A community-engaged research story

Social isolation spiked during the early days of the COVID-19 — with ramifications for the health and wellness of our minds, bodies, and communities. These effects were amplified for newcomer communities who are already more likely to be isolated by factors like communication barriers, cultural barriers and the complex process of settlement in Canada.

In collaboration with Burnaby community agencies, Principal Investigator Dr. Surita Parashar and Research Advisor Anna Vorobyova, SFU Master of Public Health students Azra Bhanji and Catherine Trudeau conducted a participatory research project to address the impacts of social isolation on racialized newcomers in Burnaby.

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Virtual tool to advance efforts to curb mental health gaps in Vietnam

A Simon Fraser University initiative created to support people in self-managing their depression is being reimagined as a virtual tool, to help reduce the community mental health gap in Vietnam.

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Research, Teaching and Learning

Faculty of Health Sciences professor Angela Kaida (shown here with SFU president Joy Johnson) will begin her new role as scientific director of the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Gender and Health in January 2023

SFU'S STRATEGIC RESEARCH PLAN (SRP) Priority AREA: Supporting Health And Wellness Of Individuals Populations And Communities

SFU's 2016-2022 SRP focused on six challenges that encapsulate the breadth of and interconnections between researchers, build on our previous investments and serve as our priority research areas. The SRP identified a specifc challenge focusing on how SFU research supports well-being for all. This challenge is now reflected as a priority area in SFU's latest Stratetgic Research Plan, 2023-2028.

SFU researchers are investigating the causes and consequences of disease, including chronic and infectious diseases, mental illness and cancer. They investigate injury and have expertise in treatment, rehabilitation and recovery. Social, biological, environmental and behavioral determinants of health are investigated to support the wellness of individuals across the lifespan.

View SFU's Strategic Research Plan


THE PACIFIC INSTITUTE ON PATHOGENS, PANDEMICS AND SOCIETY, HOSTED AT SFU

The Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society (PIPPS) is a provincial research institute based at SFU's Burnaby campus. The Institute focuses on understanding the emergence and spread of new pathogens and responding to infectious disease events with pandemic potential that pose potentially severe risks to the health and well-being of populations. PIPPS' Scientific Director is Caroline Colijn, SFU professor and Canada 150 Research Chair in Mathematics for Evolution, Infection and Public Health.

Visit the PIPPS website


Climate and health—lessons from COVID-19 prompt new report

A new Simon Fraser University-led report suggests that developing new strategies around telemedicine, green infrastructure and food security—all of which had an impact during the current pandemic—could help to better prepare the province for the potential advances of climate change.

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Health sciences professor to lead national gender and health research institute

Simon Fraser University distinguished professor Angela Kaida, a leader in global health epidemiology, will take on a new role in January as scientific director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Gender and Health. During her four-year term she will oversee the development and advancement of research and training initiatives that address gender and health research priorities in Canada.

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Indigenous-led study to improve child health and wellness

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC) is leading a long-term study to improve health and wellness for Indigenous children, with collaboration from Indigenous leaders and communities, First Nations Health Authority, and researchers from Simon Fraser University and the University of Alberta. This work is being funded by a $16 million grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

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FACTS AND FIGURES

  • 1,849 research publications related to SDG 3, 2017-2021 (source: SciVal)

  • 516 active research projects related to SDG 3 funded between 2017-2021

  • Since the 2018/19 academic year, SFU has offered 39 courses related to SDG 3, representing over 16,470 students

  • At least 208 researchers involved in research relating to SDG 3 (source: SFU's Research Expertise Engine)

Operations

Tammara Soma, director of research for SFU's Food Systems Lab—a research and innovation hub working to reduce food waste and support a sustainable food system that enhances ecosystems—conserves natural resources and mitigates climate change.

FEED B.C. PARTNERSHIP

SFU takes pride as a Feed B.C. partner with an unwavering commitment to sourcing food locally and helping B.C. farmers, fishers, processors, businesses and suppliers to prosper. In addition to advancing tracking and sourcing towards a minimum of 30% food purchasing from B.C. and 25% locally sourced produce, SFU promotes local choices whenever possible for menus, marketing and events. B.C. eggs, poultry, seasonal root vegetables, corn, blueberries and fair-trade ingredients are just some of the foods currently sourced from local farms and suppliers. 

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SERVICES FOR THE SFU COMMUNITY

FREE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR SFU STUDENTS

SFU Student Services provides free, confidential, time-limited support to all registered SFU students. The services address a wide variety of concerns, including adjusting to major transitions, identity development, decision-making, family and social relationships, and mental health. Learn more

MY SSP

My SSP is a service contracted by the university to provide 24/7 mental support to SFU and FIC students worldwide. Learn more

FACULTY AND STAFF WELL-BEING RESOURCES

SFU Student Services provides all SFU Faculty and Staff with care and support options which range from strategies for maintaining positive mental health to assistance and accommodations related to ongoing illness and disability. Learn more

EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The SFU Employee and Family Assistance Program is a voluntary and confidential support service that provides professional assistance to help SFU employees and their family members resolve issues that affect their personal and work lives. Learn more

TENDING TO ANTI-ASIAN RACISM

Tending to Anti-Asian Racism is a support group to support students from the Asian community who feel alienated and/or targeted by the continued racial violence. Learn more

SEXUAL VIOLENCE SUPPORT & PREVENTION OFFICE (SVSPO)

SVSPO offers free, confidential support for all SFU and Fraser International College community members (students and employees) who have experienced sexual violence. Learn more