CRaNHR's mandate is to conduct interdisciplinary research on rural and northern health with a view to improving health service delivery, access to health care, and our understanding of the health care system.

Working under the auspices of CRaNHR and with the support of research staff, investigators from various faculties at Laurentian University, Lakehead University, and the health care community (see Researchers) conduct studies on the organization, delivery, and effectiveness of rural and northern health services, as well as on health workforce issues.

Research Programs

Our research program focuses on transforming health policy, systems and practice to improve health equity for vulnerable and special health needs populations in northern Ontario. People in this region have poorer health status and face unique challenges due to culture and geography. This applied research program aims to improve access, delivery, and quality of care across ages, genders, ethnicities and cultures.

Our research program uses ethically and culturally appropriate methods with continuous involvement of knowledge users including the North East and North West Local Health Integration Networks, Aboriginal and Francophone Health Organizations, Public Health Units and other health organizations to improve health equity in northern populations. Research programs and individual projects are inter-connected across the following thematic areas:

Aboriginal and First Nations Health

Francophone Health

Health Human Resources

Rural and Northern Health

Virtual Care (e-health, Telehealth, Telemedicine)

Details on individual projects can be found by following this link