Rural-health researcher and IHLCDP Associate, Dr. Nelly Oelke is exploring how communities cope with natural disasters to provide guidance for enhancing rural mental health services. The floods and fires that are becoming commonplace in Canada and throughout the world, not only disfigure idyllic landscapes, but leave emotional scars as well. Add a pandemic threat to this mix and life may feel overwhelming for hard-hit rural communities. By working directly with rural communities, Dr. Oelke aims to determine how to best address mental health needs, improve health services, and reinforce the strength and resilience of rural communities to meet the challenges of future climate-change events.
Read more about her story here: Our Stories