Chair's Blog

The World Health Organization reports that approximately 800,000 people die by suicide each year, making it a global public health issue of significant concern.

Every year on September 10th, people around the world come together to observe World Suicide Prevention Day. It's a day dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, its causes, and how we can collectively work to prevent it.  For those of us that have been touched by suicide, we think about this nearly every day – thinking about what we could have done to reach out and support.

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day in recent years has been "Creating Hope Through Action," serving as a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide. It encourages individuals, communities, healthcare professionals, and governments to take action and strengthen prevention.

One of the most crucial aspects of suicide prevention is reducing the stigma around mental health issues. When people feel comfortable discussing their mental health challenges, they are more likely to seek help when they need it. Moreover, being a kind and supportive friend or family member can make a world of difference to someone in crisis.

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, let's remember that together, we can make a difference. Reach out to those around you, show kindness in your everyday interactions, have open conversations about mental health, and advocate for the importance of suicide prevention in our community. By working together, we can create a world where everyone has the support and resources they need to choose life over despair.

Both the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services are committed to supporting our communities by offering programs and services through these links:

• AHS Employee & Family Assistance Program (AHS- login required)
• Consult a Physician about Mental Health Support
• Facing Facts: Breaking the silence around mental illness
• Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment
• Mental Health Supports for Students
• Physician and Family Support Program (AMA)
• Suicide Prevention at the U of A 
• Supports available to help individuals thinking of suicide (AHS)
• WHO Resources

Dr. Narmin Kassam, Professor and Chair
Department of Medicine

2022 Annual Report: Clinical Care Recovery
Watch this 1-minute video about our Clinical Care Recovery during the pandemic.

Read more in our 2022 Annual Report.

Thank you to all who joined the Welcome Back Picnic on Sept. 8

Nearly 300 staff members were part of this wonderful event to kick-off the new term. 

Congratulations to the Welcome Back Picnic Raffle Winners:

• Edmonton Elks tickets - Amanda G.
• Edmonton Oilers tickets - Patricia A.
• Department of Medicine SWAG Bags - Areli L., Bernadette Q., Desiree R., Sophanny T., and Taryn M.

Research: 

News

• New process for adding a new supplier and updating supplier records. Learn more

Upcoming Grants

• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Discovery Grant Program
  Pre-application: September 29

• Kidney Foundation of Canada: Kidney Health Research
  Pre-application: October 2

• WFF: Proof of Principles 2023
  RSO deadline: October 4

• CIHR Fellowships
  Sponsor deadline: October 5

• New Frontiers in Research Fund - Exploration Competition
  RSO deadline: October 10

• Alberta Innovates Postdoctoral Recruitment Fellowships - 3rd Round
  Application deadline: October 16

Many more grants are listed on the Research News web page.  

96 lab-confirmed cases linked to E. coli at Calgary daycares, 22 kids in hospital. Dr. Lynora Saxinger (Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases) says she doesn’t expect a larger STEC E. coli outbreak, but the fact that the disease infected vulnerable populations is more of a concern. (CBC Calgary)

Dr. Monty Ghosh (Assistant Professor, Division of General Internal Medicine) and Will Rioux (medicine student) give helpful tips on how everyday citizens can help in the drug poisoning crisis. (Edmonton Journal)

If you missed a previous session, visit our MGR Library to watch the recordings.

• Alberta Transplant Institute Seminar Series (Sept 20 @12 p.m.): Imaging Evaluation of Lung Transplants: Focus on Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction with Speaker Micheal McInnis, MD, Assistant Professor, Thoracic Radiologist, University of Toronto

• FoMD Research Fair (Oct. 25) - Are you a new researcher in FoMD? Meet key research staff and learn about your research resources.
   
• Upcoming Faculty Development Workshops - visit the FoMD calendar.

• Green and Gold Day (Sept. 22) - Take out your green + gold wardrobe and show-off your school spirit pride.
   
• Orange Shirt Day and National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (Sat., Sept. 30) - employees are encouraged to wear orange shirts on Friday (Sept. 29).
   
• President's Speaker Series (Oct. 11) - Artificial Intelligence: the Risks, the Rewards, the Realities.

• Increase of respiratory illnesses and PPE guidance - Message from Sean Chilton, Dr. Peter Jamieson, and Dr. Sid Viner

Support Resources: 

• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Module - This module will provide information and guidance on how to better integrate EDI into policies, processes, practices, and interpersonal relations to create a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus for staff, faculty, and students.
   
• Human Resource Development Fund for Support Staff - HRDF will be available soon for learning opportunities from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31. You could be eligible for up to $750.