Priorities and Engagement in Research in Correctional Health, British Columbia (PERCH BC) is a peer advisory group that brings together people with lived experience of incarceration, researchers, clinicians, and other allies to guide correctional health research initiatives in BC. Our philosophy is that the most meaningful input into this research is by people with lived experience of being in custody, meaning we need to centre and prioritize these voices.
Starting in 2024, PERCH BC meets monthly with Dr. Amanda Slaunwhite, the Scientific Director of Correctional Health Services with BC Mental Health Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS), to help build a research program focused on the health of those incarcerated in BC’s provincial correctional centres.
Meetings are coordinated and facilitated by a peer research advisor. During meetings, PERCH BC discusses current events in the community, provides feedback on research proposals, interprets emerging research findings, and overall contributes to setting priorities for Dr. Slaunwhite’s research program. Outside researchers are also invited to present their research related to correctional health services.
For more information about PERCH BC or if you are eligible and interested in joining, please contact PERCH BC Facilitator, Juls Budau at perch.bc@ubc.ca
For more information on Dr. Amanda Slaunwhite’s research program, please visit the CCPHE Projects page.
