Can Smartphone Apps Impact Substance Use and Mental Health? A Look at the Evidence
Date: June 2ND, 2026
Time: 12 - 1 pm EST, 11 am - 12 pm CST
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For this discussion, we welcome Dr. Michael Beazely, an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy, and the Dean of Graduate and Post-doctoral Studies for the Faculty of Science. Hedaya Al-Qazli, a fourth-year pharmacy student; & Lauren Van Ewyk a co-founder of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance and a PhD Student at the University of Guelph in Rural Studies.
This session will focus on themes emerging from research on the use of smartphone applications for the management of mental health. In rural spaces, distance to a provider or limited access to resources can impact or delay care, and access to digital health technologies such as smartphone apps may be particularly useful.
Project Funders
On-Demand Lectures
Virtual Lecture Series: Season 6
Season 6 |Episode 10|5/5/2026
CLIMATE CHANGE, ELECTRIC VEHICLES & COMMUNITY HEALTH
Dr. Wayne Caldwell, professor emeritus at the University of Guelph discusses how planning for electric vehicles can aid in reducing impacts of climate change and promoting community health through social and economic development.
Virtual Lecture Series: Season 5
Virtual Lecture Series: Season 4
Virtual Lecture Series: Season 3
Virtual Lecture Series: Season 2
Virtual Lecture Series: Season 1
Project Goals
Project Team
The Lecture Series project team is composed of healthcare professionals, researchers, and community leaders, all dedicated to improving rural health. With expertise spanning various disciplines, the team works collaboratively to organize impactful lectures that address the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural communities. By partnering with local organizations and healthcare institutions, the team creates a platform that promotes education, innovation, and community engagement, driving positive change in rural health outcomes.
