Bringing research to Ontario communities using a mobile research laboratory

Mental health, substance use and violence problems are important public health concerns that commonly co-occur and impose considerable health and social costs on individuals, families and communities. Researching Health in Ontario Communities (RHOC) is a research initiative led by a multidisciplinary team of investigators that seeks to improve understanding, prevention and treatment of co-occurring mental health, substance use and violence problems in Ontario. RHOC is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research under its team grant program.

To ensure that the research addresses local needs, the RHOC team is working closely with local experts and community stakeholders in both the development of research and the dissemination of results. Using a state-of-the-art mobile research lab, the RHOC team will bring research to diverse communities across Ontario, including remote, rural and disadvantaged areas. This community-based approach will lead to a better understanding of mental health, substance use and violence problems and the development of strategies for improving prevention and treatment programs.