Exciting Collaboration: Binghamton University Partners with United Health Services for Groundbreaking Research

Binghamton University has joined forces with United Health Services (UHS) to explore mental health issues in the community. This exciting partnership combines data analytics with healthcare insights aimed at making a real difference.

The collaboration kicked off in May with workshops involving 15 UHS medical professionals. These sessions, led by Associate Professor Sumantra Sarkar and Assistant Professor Melissa Zeynep Ertem, have sparked ideas for new research and grant proposals. The goal? To improve both academic knowledge and local mental health services.

Zeynep Ertem emphasized the partnership’s benefits: “By combining our resources, we can create a vibrant environment where research fuels practical treatment. Both students and the community gain better access to mental health support.”

One topic discussed at a recent workshop was the effect of New York’s marijuana legalization on patients showing signs of cannabis-induced psychosis. The faculty brainstormed ways to gather data and how to approach the study.

Sarkar mentioned that due to interest and success, UHS Director of Psychiatry, Purushothaman Muthukanagaraj, is looking to make these workshops a yearly event for new resident physicians at UHS. “Working with Binghamton University helps us turn our real-world experiences into data-driven research,” Muthukanagaraj said. “This connection allows us to tackle patient challenges more effectively.”

A recent survey from the National Institute of Mental Health revealed that nearly 20% of adults experience mental illness each year. Partnerships like this one are crucial in addressing these growing concerns. By working together, universities and health services can create innovative solutions that truly impact mental health care in the community.

Through continued collaboration, Binghamton University and UHS aim to shape a future where mental health services are robust, evidence-based, and accessible to all.

For more updates on mental health initiatives, check out resources from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Source link