Anti-Drug Strategy Initiatives funded projects

The Calgary John Howard Society

Take Back Control: Youth Drug Prevention Initiative

$560,395

April 2014 to September 2016

This training program for service providers is based on an existing prevention curriculum and is being adapted. Its focus is to help youth between the ages of 13 to 24 who are at risk of dropping out of school.

The program:

• improves their capacity  to avoid substance abuse by reducing risk-taking behaviours associated with drug use
• increases their ability to develop healthier coping strategies

Abbotsford Community Services

Valley Youth Partnership for Engagement and Respect

$1,346,104

February 2014 to September 2016

This project team delivers substance use prevention training and provides leadership opportunities throughout the Fraser Health region to:

• youth
• teachers
• parents

Activities are being supported by:

• a knowledge exchange network
• community of practice

Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health

British Columbia's Drug Treatment Funding Program: Enhancing Treatment Systems Initiative

$2,185,754

April 2014 to March 2016

This project aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of substance use treatment in B.C. by:

• building relationships
• exchanging knowledge
• evaluating changes to treatment practice

Activities focus on trauma-informed practice and education around:

• stigma
• workforce development
• expanding partnerships with Aboriginal services and communities

Roberts Creek Community School Society

Mind the Gap Building Bridges for Youth in Transition

$305,352

February 2014 to June 2016

The project team delivers life skills training to youth in:

• grades 8 and 12, which are transition years
• first-year university or college

The team works with parents and teachers and provides training on:

• drug prevention
• coping skills for youth going through a life transition

University of Victoria, Centre for Addictions Research of BC

Building Community Capacity for Effective Drug Education

$481,965

February 2014 to June 2016

The Centre consults with school and community educators to:

• identify current challenges
• improve drug education
• develop tools to support professional development
• implement strategies and training to build capacity and improve practice

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority

CALL Out! Creating Action Learning and Leadership in support of LGBTQ2S Youth and Families

$579,531

April 2014 to September 2016

Through this program, educational workshops on substance use prevention are offered to youth in the LGBTQ2S community:

• lesbian
• gay
• bisexual
• transgender
• two spirit
• queer

The program targets:

• youth
• parents
• community leaders

Activities are being supported by a network for LGBTQ2S youth substance use prevention in BC. School-based gay-straight alliances are also formed to promote drug prevention among youth.

Klinic Incorporated

Building Alternatives: Teen Talk Youth Substance Use Prevention Initiative

$223,426

February 2014 to June 2016

This project expands on the current provincial prevention initiative called Teen Talk Program.

The project offers:

• workshops for youth
• a training program for peer support volunteers
• training to enhance the ability of service providers who deliver prevention education to high-needs youth

Government of Manitoba, Department of Health, Healthy Living and Seniors

Strengthening Treatment Systems in Manitoba

$1,359,362

November 2014 to October 2016

The project focuses on identifying and implementing best practices to:

• address organizational priorities
• enhance service delivery

The work also helps organizations improve internal evaluation methods to help them:

• better gauge the impact on clients
• enhance their efforts in the future

John Howard Society of New Brunswick

Strengthening Families: Creating Healthy Youth in New Brunswick Communities

$553,606

April 2014 to March 2017

The Strengthening Families Program is a training program that helps build:

• science-based parenting skills
• children's life skills
• family life skills

The goal of the program is to prevent:

• illicit substance use
• prescription drug abuse

Government of New Brunswick, Department of Health

New Brunswick's Strengthening Treatment Systems Program

$939,550

April 2015 to March 2017

Under this initiative, research activities focuses on collecting information on substance abuse withdrawal management.

This work also includes a strategic evaluation of existing residential and non-residential rehabilitation programs to:

• measure the current situation
• complete a feasibility study on programs in the province

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Health and Community Services

Treating and Monitoring Addictions in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador

$896,000

February 2015 to February 2017

The project team is:

• looking at what additional resources are needed for youth and outreach services
• monitoring outcomes
• developing alternatives to residential detoxification and methadone treatment programs

This work is being achieved by:

• using and expanding the province's outcome monitoring program
• developing and implementing an evidence-based methadone maintenance therapy policy

NunatuKavut Community Council Inc.

NunatuKavut Drug Prevention Project

$600,577

February 2014 to January 2017

The NunatuKavut Community Council, through partnership development creates a supportive environment for youth to increase:

• self-esteem
• skills
• capacity

The project team develops and implements community drug prevention tools that enhance:

• healthy lifestyle choices
• Inuit cultural knowledge
• community engagement

Thrive, CYN St. John's, Inc.

Project Endure

$522,681

February 2014 to January 2017

Thrive, CYN St. John's delivers skill-building workshops that promote positive:

• coping skills
• decision-making
• life skills

The project team also engages youth in activities that:

• promote alternatives to drug use
• connect them to educational support services
• train them to deliver information and training sessions to:
  • peers
  • parents
  • policymakers
  • community service providers

Government of the Northwest Territories

Mental Health and Addictions Information Management System

$292,000

April 2015 to March 2017

The organization develops a mental health and addictions information management system. The system is used by service providers to:

• share information
• support knowledge exchange
• foster appropriate and informed quality of client care
• share information and data with territorial agencies and institutions

Addiction and Mental Health Services, South Shore District Health Authority

Family Eco-Adventure Therapy Program

$669,204

February 2014 to January 2017

The project team delivers:

• nature therapy
• family counselling
• consultation sessions
• interactive psycho-education sessions

These services focus on:

• life skills
• healthy living
• substance use prevention

Colchester East Hants Health Authority

Strengthening Youth and Families

$403,726

March 2014 to February 2017

Project activities include an annual summer camp that emphasizes adventure-based learning techniques. These techniques help support youth to:

• make healthier choices
• build resilience skills to deter substance use

The project team also offers:

• family skills development to improve communication about drugs
• a school-based program to:
  • build resiliency skills in youth
  • educate youth about substance abuse

Government of Nova Scotia, Department of Health and Wellness

Nova Scotia's Strengthening Treatment Systems Project

$1,258,107

January 2014 to March 2016

Under this initiative, this organization implements system-level standards for:

• treating concurrent disorders
• managing withdrawal
• treating prescription drug (opioid) dependence

Problematic substance use is also being addressed by enhancing collaborative care among providers in settings like:

• primary
• acute
• mental health
• addiction care

Pictou County Health Authority

Sober Passages: Addressing Illicit Drug Use and Prescription Drug Abuse during Life Transitions of Rural Nova Scotia Middle-School/Junior High Youth - A Health Promotion Approach

$230,674

February 2014 to June 2016

The group is involved in improving the coordination of and access to services that prevent or delay the use and abuse of:

• illicit drugs
• prescription drugs

These services target at-risk youth.

Project activities include:

• identifying and evaluating current services
• developing a manual for key stakeholders
• providing programs to enhance psychosocial skills among youth
• engaging youth

Government of Nunavut

Nunavut Culturally-Informed Substance Abuse Treatment System

$691,903

September 2014 to August 2016

The goal of this project is to implement a culturally informed treatment service that focuses on:

• addictions
• substance abuse

This system involves:

• developing a new delivery framework
• training for those working in the treatment system
• exploring opportunities for cross-departmental system integration that addresses health and social issues like:
  • suicide prevention
  • mental health
  • addictions
  • public health
  • poverty

Canadian Mental Health Association

Start Talking About Coping and Drugs Youth Transition Project

$849,230

February 2014 to January 2017

Youth leaders are recruited to develop and implement interventions and activities to help  build coping skills.

This project is aimed at youth undergoing a life transition.

Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara

C'est mon choix!

$521,653

February 2014 to January 2017

Guided by a Youth Advisory Committee, this organization develops and offers interactive workshops  on:

• drug prevention
• health promotion

Delisle Youth Services

Delivering Evidence Informed Drug Education to High Risk Youth Across Canada

$888,769

February 2014 to January 2017

The project group:

• implements a health literacy curriculum
• develops and offers workshops to parents and caregivers of youth who are:
  • lesbian
  • gay
  • bisexual
  • transgender
• delivers sessions to intermediaries involved with high risk youth.

Elizabeth Fry Society, Toronto Branch

Girls Circle™

$340,386

March 2014 to March 2017

This evidence-based prevention program  targets at-risk girls. It offers programs on:

• peer leadership
• education
• peer mentorship

Fédération de la jeunesse franco-ontarienne

Débranche-toi

$120,155

March 2014 to July 2016

This organization develops French tools and resources for:

• youth
• teachers
• parents
• families (and other supports)
• health care and non-health care professionals

It also:

• organizes workshops in the schools
• trains their members
• offers youth engagement and peer-to-peer support

Parent Action on Drugs

Building Community Capacity to Increase Youth Resiliency Through a Strengthening Families Model

$315,715

February 2014 to July 2016

The Strengthening Families Program is a training program focused on:

• science-based parenting skills
• children's life skills
• family life skills

The goal of the program is to prevent:

• illicit substance use
• prescription drug abuse

The program is also focused on building the capacity of community organizations. It does this by helping them to promote positive family change into their direct service programs.

Province of Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Ontario's Strengthening Treatment Systems Project

$6,867,310

January 2015 to December 2016

This program is designed to improve the province's addiction treatment system.

Work is under way to:

• implement screening and assessments
• provide Internet-based interventions
• develop trauma-informed assessment tools

San Romanoway Revitalization Association

Pathways to Healthy Life Choices

$934,759

February 2014 to January 2017

To reduce illicit drug and prescription drug use and misuse in high-risk neighbourhoods, the project team:

• delivers community- and school-based substance awareness and prevention workshops
• provides at-risk youth and their families with counselling and supports

St. Stephen's Community House

The Sons and Daughters Project

$312,656

February 2014 to August 2016

This peer support program is targeted to youth with particular experience growing up with parental addiction. Peer leaders are trained to develop and deliver workshops in the community.

Trinity Theatre Toronto

A Role For Us All: Intergenerational Life Skills Coaching for Youth in Transitions and At-Risk

$547,925

March 2014 to January 2017

The project aims to create a certification training program for coaches (retired educators) who:

• mentor youth
• train student peer leaders

Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club

Youth, Illicit and Prescription Drug Abuse and Prevention Project

$454,630

March 2014 to January 2017

Training is provided to youth peer mentors who offer after-school drug prevention:

• activities
• workshops

Youth also take part in a joint youth and parent committee on preventing:

• illicit drug use
• prescription drug abuse

Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health

Health Bundle for Youth

$606,407

March 2014 to October 2016

This program helps youth create the tools they need to thrive.

Youth artistic classes help to:

• increase cultural identity
• engage peer mentors to support younger participants

Government of Prince Edward Island, Health PEI

Strengthening PEI's Addictions Treatment system

$740,542

December 2014 to December 2016

The goal of this project is to improve the substance abuse system through:

• evidence-based practice
• knowledge exchange
• performance measurement

These improvements will help to meet the needs of complex and mentally ill clients who find it difficult to access services.

Native Council of Prince Edward Island

Walking the Red Road

$491,383

February 2014 to February 2017

The Native Council of Prince Edward Island is helping to support individuals who are trying to live a healthier lifestyle:

• off-reserve Aboriginal youth
• their families
• community members

The Council provides culturally appropriate and relevant activities to:

• support healthy choices
• offer drug awareness sessions

Centre d'amitié autochtone de Val d'Or

Miskwa Mikana

$323,330

February 2014 to January 2017

This organization encourages community action in youth by increasing their personal and collective competencies.  A holistic and culturally adapted solution to the challenges experienced by First Nations youth is being offered through:

• cultural activities
• dialogue circles

Centre québécois de lutte aux dépendances

Stratégie Activités de prévention des toxicomanies évaluées - Module Enseignants

$380,851

February 2014 to January 2017

The group focuses on training teachers to integrate drug prevention into their curriculum. This organization is also facilitating e-learning using:

• teacher learning modules
• computer applications
• targeted website

Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l'Abitibi-Temiscamingue

Place aux jeunes en milieu rural

$377,247

May 2015 to March 2018

The project team:

• establishes formal networks to improve regional coordination
• offers drug prevention workshops for regional organizations

Concert'Action Portneuf

Mobilisation jeunesse dans l'ouest de Portneuf

$393,221

February 2014 to January 2017

Concert'Action Portneuf:

• offers outreach services
• fosters relationships built on trust
• is involving youth in the creation of 2 youth centres

Maison des jeunes l'Escalier de Lachine

Travail de milieu en prévention de la consommation des drogues illicites

$525,290

April 2015 to March 2018

This project team offers outreach services and prevention activities for youth in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Motivaction Jeunesse

Transitions

$152,089

February 2014 to November 2015

Through this program, the project team offers:

• outreach services
• sports activities
• events in schools

These activities and events are for and by:

• youth
• parents

Satellite - organisme en prévention des dépendances

Prévenir pour mieux grandir - Soutenir pour mieux prévenir

$217,240

April 2015 to December 2017

The group offers:

• strength-based workshops to elementary school youths
• information sessions to parents

Government of Quebec, Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux

Projets du gouvernement du Québec relatifs à la toxicomanie dans le cadre du Programme de soutien au financement du traitement de la toxicomanie

$3,864,000

January 2015 to December 2016

Projects include:

• a community of practice for professionals
• evidence-informed practices for substance abuse treatment and homelessness
• a regional inter-sectoral coordination approach and strategy to help implement best practices people with concurrent addiction and mental health problems in addiction treatment centres

Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Health

Implementing Evidence-Based Practice in Saskatchewan's Addiction Treatment System

$1,251,200

April 2014 to March 2016

The Ministry of Health team works closely with regional leaders. The focus of this project is to introduce, utilize and maintain evidence-based practices and screening and referral tools for:

• addictions
• mental health

The goal is to increase the capacity of mental health and addiction services across the province.

Government of Yukon, Health and Social Services Alcohol and Drug Services Unit

Yukon Addiction Services Systems Standards and Evaluation Project

$684,524

April 2014 to March 2016

The project team is building on evidence-informed reference documents and standards. Work involves:

• implementing standards
• measuring their effects
• revising current standards
• developing and implementing additional standards

This project is designed to strengthen:

• performance measurement
• evaluation capacity
• enhance the delivery of drug services

Youth of Today Society

Illicit Drug Awareness and Prevention Project

$309,300

February 2014 to July 2016

Through this project, the Youth of Today Society delivers:

• a community substance awareness campaign
• education art sessions
• prevention and awareness workshops

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

A Health Promotion and Drug Prevention Strategy for Youth

$11,863,568

June 2013 to March 2018

This strategy involves:

• developing a Knowledge Exchange Network
• implementing and using national standards
• developing competencies for the youth substance abuse workforce

The project team for the strategy promotes partnerships and develops:

• knowledge
• tools
• exchange

Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

A Collaborative Pan-Canadian Approach to Enhance Evidence -Informed Practice

$1,999,846

October 2014 to March 2016

This project:

• gathers evidence on prescription drug abuse treatment for youth and seniors
• takes a leadership role on national knowledge exchange
• enhances reporting on national treatment system utilization

Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police

National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day

$96,546

April 2015 to December 2016

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police coordinates drop-off day during National Police Week every May. Canadians are encouraged to drop off unused or unwanted prescription drugs at designated sites. The prescription drugs are then disposed of safely.

Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing

Development and Mobilization of Appropriate Prescriber Practice Competencies for Controlled Drugs and Substances into Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse Education Programs

$624,987

April 2015 to March 2017

The project helps to:

• develop skills and knowledge competencies
• create electronic teaching resources for nurse practitioners who have prescribing rights

The project gives nurse practitioners the knowledge and skills they need  to:

• prescribe controlled drugs and substances
• monitor and educate more effectively

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Enhancing Youth-Focused Evidence-Informed Treatment Practices Through Cross-Sectoral Collaboration

$799,293

October 2014 to September 2016

The project team:

• works collaboratively with youth
• provides services to networks in 6 communities across Canada to implement evidence-based screening practices for:
  • youth substance use
  • mental health concerns
• develops guidelines and tools for service providers who work directly with youth

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Prescription Drug Abuse by Fostering Healthy Relationships: Implementation of the Fourth R: Healthy Relationships Plus Program

$443,352

April 2014 to January 2017

The Fourth R: Healthy Relationships Plus Program is an evidence-based school and community-based prevention program. It focuses on:

• illicit drug use
• prescription drug abuse

The goal is to demonstrate how these 2 factors contribute to  unhealthy youth relationships.

Council on Drug Abuse

Drug Abuse Prevention Program for Aboriginal and Vulnerable Youth in Northern and Prairie School Communities

$1,566,430

February 2011 to May 2015

This multi-intervention program is targeted to Aboriginal and vulnerable youth in Grades 7 to 9 living in 39 communities in:

• Nunavut
• Manitoba
• Saskatchewan

This program educates communities and empowers youth to make healthy decisions concerning substance:

• use
• abuse
• prevention

Institut national de santé publique du Québec

Amélioration des pratiques médicales en matière de prescription de médicaments opioïdes

$688,095

May 2015 to March 2017

This organization is conducting an analysis of:

• opioid prescribing practices in Quebec
• training programs and tools across Canada

The goal is to:

• improve education around prescribing opioids
• support best practices for physicians and medical residents in francophone communities

McMaster University

Update of the Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

$458,248

April 2015 to March 2017

McMaster University is:

• updating the existing Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain
• developing e-tools for prescribers

This project also  involves:

• train-the-trainer modules
• face-to-face delivery
• tool kits that will be disseminated through appropriate networks across Canada

Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada

Safer Decisions Save Lives - Enhanced Clinical Decision Support Systems

$550,000

April 2015 to March 2017

This project is improving upon existing clinical software to assist physicians and other health professionals with decision-making tasks around opioid prescribing practices.

This will help physicians and other health professionals make safe decisions about prescribing opioids.

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network

Improving Canadian Family Physician Knowledge and Performance in Safe Prescribing of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

$554,457

April 2015 to March  2017

The project team is updating the current opioid self-assessment program for prescribers.

It is also developing an online version to measure how physicians adhere to the guidelines. This work involves using indicators for:

• education
• supporting decisions
• the systematic collection and use of prescribing information

Tri-County Women's Centre

Youth Truth Matters - A Youth Led Approach to Illicit Drugs and Prescription Drug Abuse in Rural Communities

$558,738

February 2014 to December 2016

This project involves:

• recruiting youth for leadership programs
• improving a toolkit for youth between the ages of 10 and 24
• forming community working groups and youth councils to enhance community engagement

University of Waterloo

Interdisciplinary Initiative to Reduce Prescription Opioid Misuse

$720,146

April 2015 to March 2017

This project targets physicians, pharmacists and students in medicine and pharmacy.

The project team is developing and implementing a collaborative, web-based education program that focuses on adhering to opioid guidelines.