EVENTS HISTORY 2024
The following is a list of events that the IHLCDP has sponsored or presented during the year. Many of our presentations and workshops are available to view as a video or audio recording on our Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention YouTube channel, so if you missed the event you can still access the information. For events that have a recorded presentation, just click on the button link.
December 3
Reimagining Advance Care Planning through an accessible lens
Advance Care Planning Canada’s new project, Making Advance Care Planning More Accessible for Persons with Disabilities, centers on developing resources with intersectionality and universal design principles. This presentation outlines project outcomes including the 2024 National ACP Public Poll, an updated ACP guide, and new learning into integrating a supported decision-making approach in ACP.
Presenters
Karine Diedrich,
Director, Advance Care Planning,
Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association
Merry Parkinson,
Project Officer, Advance Care Planning
Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association
A Research to Practice webinar supported by the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, University of British Columbia Okanagan, and the North Okanagan Hospice Society
November 14
Brain injury in women experiencing intimate partner violence
Brain injury (BI) due to intimate partner violence (IPV) is a under-recognized but remarkably common occurrence primarily affecting women and sex- and gender-minority individuals. This presentation discusses recent research taking place at UBCO and elsewhere examining the impact of IPV-BI on brain function and how the systems put in place to support survivors can be improved by taking BI into account.
Presenter:
Paul van Donkelaar, PhD
Professor, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Development
University of British Columbia Okanagan
More information:
Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research (SOAR)
SOAR Project web: https://SoarProject.ca
Facebook @SoarProjectCanada
Instagram @SoarProjectCanada
X @CanadaSoar
A Partnership in Research webinar supported by the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, University of British Columbia Okanagan
November 4
Lacing up for life: the science of women’s running and sports performance
Join us – a conversation to explore the myths, challenges and joy of running throughout life for females, through stories, and science. Perfect for anyone interested in the science behind women’s sports performance—runners, parents, volunteers, and sports enthusiasts alike!
Presenters:
Jessica Piasecki PhD
Studies female physiology and women’s sport, and her research extends from youth to Master Athletes. She is a member of the UK Athletics Team and represented Great Britain in the Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan in 2020
Malindi Elmore
Member of Athletics Canada Team. Participated in the Olympic Games in 2004, 2020, 2024. She has also competed in Ironman as a Professional and recorded a sub-nine-hour time. She has acquired three degrees while pursuing elite sports. She is currently the head coach of the UBCO Heat Program.
Stephanie Brown
Local elite athlete and Physical Therapist. A former elite road cyclist as well as a runner. Stephanie, a local athlete, works as a certified physical therapist while balancing elite running (3:02 marathon), and parenting.
Melissa Spooner
Local Coach, entrepreneur, and Iron(wo)man. She holds three IM titles and placed 4th at the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. She is a local business owner and coach who has successfully built her education in nutrition and passion for triathlon into her profession.
Co-supported by the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention; Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (WWEST); HEAT Recreation, at the University of British Columbia Okanagan
October 18
Cafe Scientifique: Mental health and psychedelics
PANEL EXPERTS
Laura C
Person with lived experience
Zach Walsh, PhD
Professor, Psychology,
Irving K Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, UBC Okanagan
Francois Louw, MD
EntheoMed, Kelowna
Terra Belliveau, BsN, RN(C)
Interior Health
MODERATOR:
Jordyn Cates
PhD student, Psychology,
Irving K Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, UBC Okanagan
This event is supported by the BC SUPPORT Unit Interior Centre, Interior Health, in partnership with the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, University of British Columbia Okanagan.
October 10
Mental Health Conversations with older adults in community care: a national research study
Our Canadian healthcare system continues to focus on physical needs versus mental health. Community health and social care providers are well-positioned to talk about mental health with their clients but lack support and training to do so. This presentation discusses how the Mental Health Conversations study is engaging Canadian care providers and older adults in workshops and surveys to co-design tools and approaches to facilitate mental health conversations in community care settings.
Presenters:
Dr. Nelly Oelke, Associate Professor
School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development
University of British Columbia Okanagan
Adriane Peak, Research Assistant
School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development
University of British Columbia Okanagan
In recognition of World Mental Health Day
A Partnership in Research webinar supported by the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, University of British Columbia Okanagan
September 19
What does learning look like at an Age-Friendly University? a panel discussion
Have you ever wondered if people of all ages can enroll in university courses and fully participate in campus life? As an Age-Friendly University (AFU), UBCO welcomes learners of all ages and actively seeks to challenge the idea that higher education is only for younger adults.
This panel will explore “What can UBCO offer you?” whether you’re a student, an older adult, or represent a community organization. UBCO is proud to be part of the Global AFU Network, and we’re committed to fostering inclusivity in learning.
Presenters:
Dale Mullings, HBA, MEd, PhD (c)
Associate Vice President, Students
University of British Columbia Okanagan
Jon Corbett, PhD, MSc
Professor, Department Head, Community, Culture and Global Studies, Irving K Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
University of British Columbia Okanagan
Garry McCracken, MSc (HES), MPl, BEng, CD
A Partnership in Research webinar supported by the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, University of British Columbia Okanagan
May 10
Clarity achieved: unified definition for care provided by BC’s hospice societies
A significant milestone has been achieved with the establishment of a consensus-driven definition for hospice societies’ care in the province. This unified definition aims to standardize terminology, providing unprecedented clarity to the public, healthcare providers, and community partners. Creating this common understanding is expected to unlock the full potential of hospice societies, ensuring their optimal use. Additionally, this unified definition is poised to guide advocacy efforts, ultimately enhancing the quality and sustainability of care provided by hospice societies in BC.
Presenters:
Dr. Eman Hassan, Executive Director, BC Centre for Palliative Care;
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Medicine, UBC Division of Palliative Care
Simon Anderson, MPH, Research Coordinator, BC Centre for Palliative Care
A Research to Practice webinar
co-supported by the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, University of British Columbia Okanagan; and North Okanagan Hospice Society
March 19
Adapting Nav-CARE to support caregivers of people living with dementia: findings from a pilot study
Nav-CARE is a volunteer-led navigation program supporting people with life-limiting illnesses who are living in the community. With the support of Health Canada, a team of researchers at UBCO adapted the Nav-CARE program to support caregivers of people living with dementia. Over the past year, a pilot study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the adapted program. Insights from this pilot study will inform the implementation of the adapted Nav-CARE program at multiple Nav-CARE sites across Canada.
Presenter:
Madison Smith, PhD candidate
School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia Okanagan
A Partnership in Research webinar
Supported by the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, University of British Columbia Okanagan
March 11
Nav-CARE: A volunteer-based compassionate community program
Nav-CARE (Navigation: Connecting, Advocating, Resourcing, Engaging) is an innovative compassionate community program that builds upon the unique role of hospice volunteers to provide early assistance to people living with declining health. This webinar highlights the scale-out of the program in Canada and exciting new developments in Europe.
Presenters:
Dr. Barb Pesut, Professor, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia Okanagan;
Director and co-founder of Nav-CARE
Dr. Kelly Ashford, Project Manager for the EU Navigate project; the European branch of Nav-CARE, UBC Okanagan
Learn more here: https://Nav-CARE.ca
11th annual Okanagan Embrace Aging month
co-supported by the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, UBC Okanagan; Interior Savings; and Interior Health
February 8
Enhancing breast cancer care in BC: innovations for women’s health
Dr. D’Souza shares findings from her mixed research methods and community participatory action to create innovative interventions and healthy policies for improving patient engagement care models for women diagnosed with breast cancer in British Columbia.
Presenter:
Dr. Melba D’Souza, RN PhD
Associate Professor, School of Nursing,
Thompson Rivers University
A Partnership in Research webinar
Supported by the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, University of British Columbia Okanagan
January 16
Strengthening a Palliative Approach to Care in Long-Term Care in 6 Canadian Provinces: A Situational Analysis
The purpose of this study is to complete a situational analysis to explore contextual challenges and facilitators as well as resources that could be leveraged to support long-term care homes to implement a palliative program (SPA-LTC) in LTC homes across Canada. To date we have collected data in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Quebec, and British Columbia. We share the 5 key recommendations for devising a scale-up plan to implement a palliative approach to care in Long-Term Care homes.
Presenters:
Marie-Lee Yous, RN, MSc, PhD
School of Nursing, McMaster University
Clara Dyck, RN, MSN, CHPCA(C)
Education and Resource Leader, North Okanagan Hospice Society