Supporting projects to help address harms related to alcohol use in Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador

The Government of Canada continues to support communities across Canada as they work to respond to increasing levels of substance use-related harms during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes nearly $2 million in funding over two years for three community-based projects, provided through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program, to address alcohol-related harms.

June 10, 2021

The Government of Canada continues to support communities across Canada as they work to respond to increasing levels of substance use-related harms during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes nearly $2 million in funding over two years for three community-based projects, provided through Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program, to address alcohol-related harms.

• Boyle Street Service Society (Edmonton, Alberta)
  Boyle Street Non-Residential Managed Alcohol Program

  This recipient is receiving $592,899 over 24 months to launch a managed alcohol program (MAP) in Edmonton, Alberta. MAP is a treatment option for people living with severe alcohol use disorder, which can help stabilize and prevent health and social harms by providing controlled amounts of alcohol at specific times to help manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The goals of the project are to reduce the amount of non-beverage alcohol (e.g., mouthwash, rubbing alcohol) or illegally produced alcohol consumed by participants and provide a safer alcohol alternative to improve the overall health and quality of life of participants. This will help reduce the use of emergency services and potential involvement of participants in the criminal justice system. The project will also help participants set and meet goals, improve housing access and retention for those struggling with illicit alcohol use.

• St. John's Women Centre (St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador)
  Harm Reduction Project for Women Who Use Alcohol and Drugs

  The organization is receiving $615,930 over 24 months to pilot a community-led harm reduction project in a supportive housing site that will address the current lack of managed alcohol programs (MAP) in Newfoundland and Labrador. MAP is a treatment option for people living with severe alcohol use disorder, which can help stabilize and prevent health and social harms by providing controlled amounts of alcohol at specific times to help manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The project will create awareness by offering community-wide training on the benefits of harm reduction strategies, their application in MAPs, and the lessons learned through the pilot. This would prepare the community at large for the implementation of other MAPs.

• McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association (Calgary, Alberta)
  Journeys - Addiction Supports for Women

  This recipient is receiving $713,530 over 24 months to provide addiction supports and wrap-around services to women requiring help with substance use-related issues and who are waiting for long-term residential treatment. In addition to alcohol-related recovery services, patients may also seek support for problematic use of crystal meth, fentanyl or other substances. The program will support women living with addiction or working to maintain their recovery with resources. It will help them stay engaged complete treatment and reduce the likelihood of relapse. It will also allow them to strengthen their family and personal support network which will in turn contribute to a successful long-term recovery.

Associated links

• Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP)
  • Funded Projects
• Fall Economic Statement 2020 - Helping Vulnerable Canadians and Improving Public Health