We are pleased to announce that Dr. Heather Palis was one of the recipients of the 2021 MSFHR Scholar and Research Trainee award. MSFHR Research Trainee awards support health researchers in training to build health research capacity and contribute to the success of BC’s health research landscape. Post-doctoral fellows or health professional researchers are provided with salary support through this award for dedicated research activities.
In March 2020, in the context of COVID-19, the British Columbia (BC) Ministry of Health provided new Risk Mitigation Guidance (RMG) for doctors, permitting them to prescribe opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, and alcohol withdrawal management medications to people at risk of overdose. In this study, Dr. Palis will evaluate whether the RMG has reduced overdose and return to prison among people with criminal justice system involvement in BC. This study will highlight gaps in substance use services in B.C., and will inform evidence-based services that can help to reduce overdose in prison and community.
Congratulations, Dr. Palis!