The BC SUPPORT Unit (Support for People and Patient-Oriented Research and Trials) is a multi-partner organization created to support, streamline and increase patient-oriented research throughout BC. The Unit is one of 10 SUPPORT Units established across the country as part of Canada’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) led by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. It is also part of the Michael Smith Health Research BC.

The Northern Centre is co-led between UNBC and NH, and is the go-to resource for patient-oriented research within the geographic area served by Northern Health. The Centre serves the communities of Northern British Columbia from Quesnel north to the Yukon border, and Haida Gwaii east to the Alberta border.

Our Work

We bridge the gap between research evidence and health care practice by:

• Providing POR supports such as training & webinars, and access to the tools an interactive road-map to patient engagement, diversity tapestry-a learning resource to support collaboration, and a plain language guide.
• Strengthening and maintaining BC's capacity in patient-oriented research
• Engaging stakeholders as active partners in both research and its use in health car practice and policy

Our Services 

• Data platforms & services
• Learning health systems
• Capacity development
• Patient engagement

Our work is grounded in equity, diversity and inclusion, sex-and gender-based analysis, and Indigenous health research. 

Northern Centre Activities 

Putting Patients First Conference, Vancouver November 14 2024

The whole team attended and was involved in the conference this year

• Leana Garraway was on the planning committee for pre-conference BC SUPPORT Unit Patient Partner Gathering, and co-hosted the event with Patient Partner Anni Rychtera
• Bree Loeffler was at the event to capture key moments in her capacity as official photographer, part of her role on the BC SUPPORT Unit Communications Team
• Marcelo Bravo was on the Planning Committee (Abstract Review Sub Committee) for the conference
• UNBC’s own Dr. Davina Banner-Lukaris was a panel member for Perspectives on the Patient-Oriented Research Experience with her colleague, Patient Partner Marc Bains.

Other Activities

• The Northern Centre team continued to work with their BC SUPPORT Unit colleagues to plan the final 2 years of the grant (2024-2026) and focus on building sustainability and legacy.

Northern Centre Staff