Community Advisory Committee
What is the Community Advisory Community (CAC)?
The CAN-BIND CAC provides advice and suggestions based on lived experience to improve depression research, outreach, and ultimately, clinical care. The committee is comprised of 10-15 members and is open to individuals with lived experience of mood disorders, caregivers, or individuals connected to advocacy groups for mood disorders.
What do CAC members do?
CAC members bring the lived experience perspective to shape research planning, execution, dissemination and evaluation. Their efforts aim to foster a sense of ownership among patients and community members regarding their understanding of depression and its broader impact on mental health. CAC members attend 6 meetings throughout the year, and are invited to attend the CAN-BIND Annual Workshop held in Toronto, Ontario. Members serve three-year terms, with an option to renew membership once for a two-year term. Some examples of activities are listed below:
- Offer feedback on directions, accomplishments, and goals of the current program, and provide advice on plans for future research
- Review educational materials produced by the program, including patient information material, talks and videos, and suggest ways to improve materials.
- Interact with the CAN-BIND scientific team by participating in study discussions, joining teleconferences, and actively participating in educational and scientific events organized by CAN-BIND
- Suggest ways to optimize knowledge dissemination, advocacy and public engagement
Meet the CAC
Co-Chairs
Dr. Sagar Parikh, Knowledge Translation Platform Lead, CAN-BIND
Mr. Andrew Kcomt, Knowledge Translation & Research Manager, Hope+Me
CAC Members
Aishwarya Patwardhan
Alexandra Kelley-Chessman
Christina Plagiannakos
David Danyluk
Etinosa Oliogu
Genevieve
Kathryn Schade
Kristina F
Michael Ryczko
Rachel Grace Peiris
Sharda Abdool
CAN-BIND KT Team
Dr. Nirushi Kuhathasan
Dr. Susan Rotzinger
Dr. Fabiano Gomes
Keith Ho
Dr. Bianca Wollenhaupt De Aguiar
Read some of our CAC member spotlights here.