Cresco Cares 2025: Mental Health Initiative for Stress and Trauma (MIST)
Cresco Cares, a charity committee within Cresco Wealth Management at Wellington-Altus Private Wealth, is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Mental Health Initiative for Stress and Trauma (MIST) as the designated charity of the year for 2025. As advocates for positive community impact, Cresco Cares recognizes the groundbreaking work MIST is doing to advance mental health research and innovative treatments for those affected by stress, trauma, and brain injuries.
About the Mental Health Initiative for Stress and Trauma
The Mental Health Initiative for Stress and Trauma (MIST) was established at the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute to honor the late Mike McClay, who tragically died by suicide in October 2021. MIST is dedicated to advancing research on the effects of emotional stress and physical trauma on the brain, while also destigmatizing psychiatric illnesses.
How MIST Donors Are Making an Impact
With your contributions, MIST is funding critical research projects aimed at improving treatments for trauma-related mental health conditions, suicide prevention, and concussion-related psychiatric disorders.
Groundbreaking Research Initiatives
MIST provides both partial and full funding for groundbreaking clinical trials, enabling critical research to move forward more quickly and generate life changing discoveries. By supporting these initiatives, MIST ensures that innovative studies receive the resources needed to progress, leading to scientific publications and new advancements in mental health care. Some of the trials funded by MIST are as follows:
- TMS & D-Cycloserine for Suicide Prevention
Dr. Alex McGirr is currently conducting a suicide study, consisting of coupling the use of intermittent Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) with the administration of D-Cycloserine in patients who have recently been released from hospital following a suicide attempt. His intended outcome would be that treatment combining TMS and D-Cycloserine would reduce frequency of suicidal attempts and suicidal ideation in individuals.
- Psychedelics for Post-Concussion Syndrome
Dr. Leah Mayo and Dr. Chantel Debert are currently conducting a pilot level study examining the effects of using psychedelics on patients experiencing post-concussion syndrome, which can include a cluster of mental health conditions onset post-concussion. Their intended outcome is to identify if the pilot study appears to be promising, and if so, they would like to go forward with a full clinical trial.
- Mental Health Disorders Post-Concussion
An empirical analysis identified that we are unable to accurately predict what mental health issues are most likely to occur post-concussion or post head trauma. Because of this, Dr. Araba Chintoh is conducting a knowledge gap study to identify the prevalence of mental health injuries that emerge post-concussion or post head trauma in athletes. Her intended outcome is to develop a clearer understanding of what psychiatric issues are emerging out of head trauma, and if any of this is linked to age or sex.
- Cannabinoids & PTSD Treatment
Dr. Matt Hill collaborated on a clinical trial on the effects of THC administration during fear extinction training on individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on brain imaging and behavioural outcomes. THC administration prior to fear extinction training was found to increase activation of regions of the frontal cortex and hippocampus during later memory recall tests, supporting the potential utility of cannabinoid-based approaches as adjuncts for the treatment of PTSD.
Be Part of the Solution
By supporting MIST, you are investing in the future of mental health research. Your donations help fund lifesaving clinical trials and drive advancements in treatment for individuals struggling with trauma, PTSD, suicidality, and concussion related disorders.
Donations to MIST can be made directly through this page.
Together, we can transform mental health care – support MIST today!
If you have any questions about this initiative or donating to the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary please reach out to Sarah Salus, Director of Development at sarah.salus@ucalgary.ca or 403-220-2470.