Anna Durbin

Dr. Anna Durbin is a Scientist at the Centre for Urban Health Solutions (C-UHS) in the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital. Dr. Durbin earned her Masters of Public Health (Epidemiology) and Doctorate (Health Services Research) from the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, respectively. Dr. Durbin’s policy focused research examines equity in use of mental health services with a focus on marginalized groups, such as newcomers, individuals with mental illness and/or developmental disabilities, people who are homeless, persons with limited income, individuals with HIV, and, individuals with limited English proficiency. Dr. Durbin has experience working both with mature population-based administrative datasets and newer community datasets. Her post-doctoral work at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health focused on individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health disorders and HIV. Her other recent work at Canadian Mental Health Association Toronto focused on use of community mental health programs, particularly supportive housing. Engaging with decision makers, managers and providers of community programs, and people with lived experience with mental illness to enhance the relevance and use of her work is a priority.

Research Synopsis

· Health services delivery

· Homelessness

· Mental disorders

· Developmental disability

· Health and social services administrative data

· Community mental health service use

· Emergency department visits