KAMLOOPS – Dr. Grant Larson, Dean of the School of Social Work and Human Service and TRU-OL tutor, has been appointed to the Network Planning and Advisory Committee (NetPAC) of the BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network as the TRU representative.

“I feel quite honoured to be selected for this provincial council, and look forward to providing leadership and representation from TRU in promoting and approving key provincial initiatives for mental health and addictions research in BC,” said Larson, who has been appointed for an initial two-year term.

NetPAC, governing body of the BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network, is comprised of one representative from the four of BC’s major universities, six regional health authorities, the Provincial Health Services Authority, two provincial ministries (Health and Child and Family Development), the Health Services and Policy Research Support Network (HSPRN) Mental Health Team, and voluntary agencies, and directs priority setting, policy oversight, and approval of key initiatives.

Specifically, NetPAC members are responsible for steering the Network on key initiatives and maintaining fiscal responsibility; supporting and promoting Network involvement and activities in their home organizations and geographic areas; assisting in identifying and obtaining resources to support the work of the Network, monitoring progress of initiatives and advising on adjustments, and overseeing ongoing planning and plan implementation.

“In essence this committee makes key recommendations about research on mental health and addictions in BC, an important committee which I hope will have the effect also of increasing TRU research in these areas,” said Larson.

For more information, please contact Grant Larson at 250-828-5242 or email: glarson@tru.ca
For more information on NetPAC, go to: www.mhanet.ca