HISTORY

CRISH began from a growing research network referred to as the Vancouver Research Network for Spirituality and Healing (VRNSH), which was founded in 2003 and comprised of about 700 members worldwide. The primary function of the VRNSH is to bring interdisciplinary scientists, scholars and students together in partnership with health care practitioners, health policy-makers, and local communities to: (a) develop and apply state-of-the-art research methods to investigate spirituality, culture, and healing; and (b) improve the provision of health care through knowledge transfer. The goal of the VRNSH is to contribute to a new vision of integrative compassionate health care.

In working toward the goal, the VRNSH has been engaged in the following activities since its inception: (1) formation of a UBC-based Executive Committee to plan events and workshops and develop project proposals; (2) offers of free monthly seminars that provide forums for discussing individual, social, cultural, political, and environmental considerations that influence spirituality and integrative health care; (3) circulation of monthly e-mail announcements to provide information about events, conferences, funding opportunities, and book or course information on spirituality and healing; (4) seeking partnerships with public and private agencies; (5) developing conceptual frameworks and corresponding methodologies for conducting multi-disciplinary research in spirituality and integrative healing modalities; and (6) developing both graduate and undergraduate courses in this area. The Network has fostered collaborative research and communication among academics, practitioners, and organizations to address the diverse and complex issues that affect integrative health care.

The Network has now been transformed into the CRISH which expands the VRNSH vision and functions and is seeking a charity status.