An RN of 50 years, Dr. Cheryl Forchuk’s research includes people with lived experience as central to research design, interpretation, and knowledge-exchange. Across 124 research projects, Cheryl secured or contributed to over $52 million in research funding, 12 books, more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, and hundreds of presentations.
Examples of her work include the Transitional Discharge Model, which promotes a safety-net of relationships (staff and peer) to support community integration for those with mental health challenges, and the Preventing Discharge to No Fixed Address approach. Both improve individuals’ outcomes while reducing health-care and other costs. Her work has helped organizations adopt evidence-based approaches that improve recovery, strengthen community integration, and reduce homelessness. This has shaped policy, informed practice, and driven system-level change across Canada and internationally.
Cheryl has numerous distinctions, including appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada. She has received the Order of Ontario and the King Charles III Coronation Medal, been elected to fellowships in three national academies, and been awarded lifetime achievement recognition from the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Through innovation, collaboration, and advocacy, she has demonstrated the capacity of nursing research to transform health systems and improve the lives of vulnerable populations.