Normalizing Conversations: Engaging public health, public safety, and communities to build capacity for a public health approach to substance use

About Mainline Needle Exchange (Nova Scotia):

Mainline, a program of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, is a health promotion organization dedicated to supporting people who use drugs through harm reduction programs. Their mission is to reduce acquisition and transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B & C, to increase awareness of health and social issues facing PWUD, and to help current and former PWUD through education, support and empowerment.

• Community Assessment Report for Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (Mainline Needle Exchange) 
• Download the report appendices here 

About Manitoba Harm Reduction Network (Manitoba):
The Manitoba Harm Reduction Network (MHRN) works toward equitable access, systemic change, and reducing the transmission of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) through advocacy, policy work, education, research and relationships. They do this by operating several peer-led harm reduction networks across the province that provide services, education, advocacy and events that are relevant to their specific communities.

• Community Assessment Report for Manitoba (Manitoba Harm Reduction Network)
• Download the report appendices here 

About Thunder Bay Drug Strategy (Ontario):
The Thunder Bay Drug Strategy’s (TBDS) mission is to create and implement a drug strategy for the City of Thunder Bay, district, and region, that reflects the needs and strengths of its citizens. The strategy will focus on humane approaches that address the causes and effects of harm associated with substance use. Their vision is to improve the health, safety and well-being of all citizens by working together to reduce substance related harms.

• Community Assessment Report for Thunder Bay, Ontario (Thunder Bay Drug Strategy)  

Organizational Assessment Tool for Substance Use and Stigma – 2023  

This tool was developed in partnership with CAPSA to help organizations identify policies, along with environmental and cultural factors that contribute to substance use stigma and discrimination. It can assist organizations in developing strategies for reducing stigma to create safer, more supportive environments and build policies and practices that are supportive and inclusive for staff, volunteers and individuals seeking care. Find it on SURE!

Key Informant Interview Report – November 2022  

Between March of 2020 and January of 2021, CPHA interviewed 17 key informants involved in substance use-related work across Canada. These individuals represented: people who use/d substances, harm reduction and community organization employees, health system professionals (both public health and acute care), public safety professionals, academics, and non-governmental organization (NGO) employees and volunteers.  

The summary of findings is organized as follows: 

• What is happening currently to support people who use/d substances 
• What the community would like to see to support people who use/d substances 
• Needs and next steps to close the gaps between the current and desired states for a public health approach to substance  

Focus Group Report with Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC) & CAPSA – August 2021  

In July and August of 2021, CAPSA, CPHA, and Somerset West Community Health Centre facilitated several focus groups with people who access substance use care to gain their perspectives on how their health needs and goals are addressed. We want to thank each person with lived or living experience from across the country who shared their experiences and knowledge with us through these focus groups. We recognize and value the expertise that each of these individuals hold and appreciate the range of perspectives they have contributed.