Month: August 2025

On August 19, 2025 the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) announced the 47 new Fellows elected for 2025, among them are MAP scientists Drs. Jim Dunn and Kamran Khan.

CAHS recognizes excellence in health sciences and their Fellows reflect a rich and varied expertise. Election to Fellowship in the Academy is considered one of the highest honours for individuals in the Canadian health sciences community. It entails a commitment to serve the Academy and advance the health sciences across all of the Fellow’s disciplines.

Dr. James R. Dunn (Jim) is a MAP scientist and a Professor of Health, Aging & Society and Associate Dean Research in the Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University. He is the Senator William McMaster Chair in Urban Health Equity and Director of the Canadian Housing Evidence Collaborative. In 2025, he was awarded the CIHR-IPPH Trailblazer in Population and Public Health Award and the CMHC Gold Roof Award for Knowledge to Action. He has published over 100 papers in geography, public health, urban planning and epidemiology journals and shaped policies at all levels addressing the effects of income security, housing and neighbourhood built environments on health.

Dr. Kamran Khan is an internationally recognized infectious diseases physician, MAP scientist, Professor at the University of Toronto, and Founder and CEO of BlueDot. His research on outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging pathogens has revolutionized our understanding of epidemics in an interconnected world, while informing policy decisions during health emergencies. Dr. Khan’s entrepreneurial work focuses on the role of artificial intelligence and technological innovation to strengthen global epidemic surveillance and readiness for infectious disease emergencies. Drawing from his experiences as a clinician, scientist, and entrepreneur, he is a leading voice for fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Canadian health sciences.

“Election to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences acknowledges outstanding contributions to the health sciences,” says Dr. Trevor Young, President, CAHS. “We are proud of these Fellows’ accomplishments, and we are honoured to welcome them to the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.”

News release – August 14, 2025

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), in partnership with REACH Nexus at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto), has launched a three-year project to provide free and anonymous access to health and harm reduction supplies through Our Healthbox machines.

Our Healthboxes are interactive vending machines that offer items such as HIV self-test kits, pregnancy tests, condoms, naloxone, drug testing kits, and other health and wellness resources. Supplies are available at no cost, with no ID or appointment required. The machines also provide vital health information and a service directory to help people connect with local health care support services.

This initiative is designed to reduce barriers by placing essential health supplies in easily accessible locations. It supports the GNWT’s public health response to challenges such as the syphilis outbreak, illicit drug poisoning, and barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health supplies. 

Our Healthboxes are available in Behchokǫ̀ and Hay River, and will be available in Inuvik, and Yellowknife in the coming weeks. Contents will be tailored to each community and updated regularly using data and feedback to respond to local needs. 

The machines also promote 811, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer non-urgent health questions, provide guidance on using the resources, and refer callers to in-person services when needed. 

Our Healthboxes in the Northwest Territories join 15 others across Canada serving communities in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and New Brunswick. For more information about Our Healthbox please visit www.ourhealthbox.ca.

“Our Healthbox is one way we’re responding to serious public health issues in the NWT, including the syphilis outbreak, illicit drug poisoning, and the lack of access to essential health supplies without stigma or barriers. Everyone should be able to take care of their health in a way that feels safe, private, and respectful. This initiative meets people where they are and helps remove the barriers that stand in their way.”

– Lesa Semmler, Minister of Health and Social Services

“We’re excited to bring Our Healthbox to the Northwest Territories—a step forward in helping people get what they need to take care of their health. Access to basic health supplies shouldn’t depend on who you are or where you live. Our Healthbox is about breaking down barriers with compassion and dignity. By providing free, discreet access to essential supplies, we’re empowering people to take control of their health—without fear or shame. This is about building trust and creating a more inclusive future—one community at a time.”

 – Dr. Sean B. Rourke, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Director of REACH Nexus and Scientist with MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.

Quick facts

• The Our Healthbox Initiative is a free and private way to access important health and harm reduction supplies.
• It is available to anyone in the community, with no ID or appointment needed.
• Our Healthbox Initiative supports our response to serious public health issues in the NWT, including the syphilis outbreak, illicit drug poisoning, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health supplies without stigma or barriers.
• Contents are based on community needs and may include HIV self-test kits, pregnancy tests, condoms, Naloxone, drug testing kits, and other health and wellness supplies.
• Our Healthbox machines are easy to use, safe and completely anonymous.
• All items are free, and the machine is available at any time.
• Our Healthbox machines are available in the following locations:
  • Behchokǫ̀ – Sportsplex
  • Hay River – Community Centre
  • Yellowknife – Public Library
• Inuvik will also receive two Our Healthboxes at the Airport and at the Midnight Sun Complex later this month.
• Our Healthbox is part of a national research program led by REACH Nexus at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital (Unity Health Toronto). REACH Nexus is an ambitious national research group working on how to address HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in Canada. 

For media requests, please contact: 
Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications 
Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories 
HSSmedia@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9052 ext. 49036

Andrew Russell
Senior Communications Specialist – REACH Nexus
MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital
andrew.russell@unityhealth.to
416-268-7642

MAP scientist and OurCare lead Dr. Tara Kiran explains the challenges, potential solutions and what’s working well now for primary care in Canada. She also gives a sneak peak of the second season of her Primary Focus podcast – where she take listeners behind the scenes of innovative clinics across the country.