TORONTO, Ontario – General Dynamics Canada is proud to announce a contribution of half a million dollars over three years to support the work of the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR). The contribution will fuel research into understanding, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of operational stress injuries (OSIs) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) thereby enhancing the lives of Canadian military personnel, Veterans, their families and their communities.

The $500,000.00 contribution is designed to support the partnership between CIMVHR and the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre (The Royal), and support capacity building within both organizations.

“General Dynamics Canada recognizes the sacrifices that military members and their families are asked to make and how essential it is to focus on getting our troops all the way home from the battlefield,” said David Ibbetson, General Manager of General Dynamics Canada. “The work that CIMVHR is doing to understand, diagnose, treat and prevent operational stress injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder is very important and we are very proud to support it.”

“CIMVHR is the hub for advancements in military, Veteran and family health research. Today, General Dynamics Canada is joining forces with us, and illustrating their commitment to playing a key role in these efforts,” said Dr. Alice Aiken, Director of CIMVHR. “This donation sets a benchmark for industry participation in ensuring the health and wellbeing of our troops, Veterans and their families.”

“The Royal also welcomes General Dynamics Canada’s significant contribution,” added Dr. Zul Merali, President & CEO of The Royal’s Research Institute. “We are only beginning to understand the impact of operational stress injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder on our military, Veterans, their families, and on our broader communities. This investment in research and capacity building will help position us to better face the demands of tomorrow.”

The announcement was made at the fifth annual Military and Veteran Health Research Forum hosted by CIMVHR. The Forum brings together key stakeholders in military and Veteran health research including universities, researchers, clinicians, government and industry, for knowledge translation, networking and collaboration to improve the health and well-being of Canadian military personnel, Veterans and their families.

General Dynamics’ $500,000 pledge will be paid annually over three years, beginning in January 2015.

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