GLACE
BAY, NS, June 26, 2024 /CNW/ - No community in
Canada has been left untouched by
substance use-related harms and the toxic illegal drug supply and
overdose crisis. Efforts to prevent substance use, especially among
youth, are critical and this means reaching out to young people who
may be struggling with targeted support in their communities.
Today, the Honourable Ya'ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and
Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced more than
$3.1 million under the Youth
Substance Use Prevention Program (YSUPP) to reduce substance
use-related harms among young people in communities across
Canada.
This investment includes $868,000
in funding for seven projects across British Columbia,
Saskatchewan, Ontario and Nova
Scotia to support the Canadian implementation and adaptation
of the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM). This model, which is
recognized internationally for its collaborative approach to
preventing substance use harms among youth, applies a
community-driven approach to address the root causes of substance
use. The projects will engage with diverse communities and sectors,
including First Nations, schools, service providers, community
leaders and young people with lived and living experience, and will
contribute to the evaluation of the IPM in the Canadian
context.
In addition, Renison University College (affiliated with the
University of Waterloo) will receive
$2.25 million in funding to lead a
new Knowledge Development and Exchange Hub for Youth Substance Use
Prevention. The Hub will provide guidance and
training on the implementation of the IPM in Canada, lead a pan-Canadian youth substance
use prevention community of practice, as well as activities to
support the sharing of information and best practices among
projects.
Preventing and decreasing youth substance use through YSUPP is a
key part of the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy. Critical
work continues with all levels of government, partners, Indigenous
communities, stakeholders, people with lived and living experience,
and local organizations to reduce substance use-related harms, make
sure people have the support they need, and ultimately save
lives.
Quotes
"We are working to address the root causes of substance use
among youth and prevent harms before they begin. We know that
connection to community supports helps to decrease and even prevent
substance use-related harms. We owe it to young people – and all
Canadians – to ensure there is equitable access to the mental
health and substance use services that people need and these
organizations will make a real difference for youth in their
communities."
The Honourable Ya'ara Saks
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of
Health
"We are delighted that the KDE Hub, located at Renison
University College, has been selected by the Public Health Agency
of Canada, to support the
implementation of the Icelandic Prevention Model in Canada. Established in 2019, the Hub team has
supported over 60 mental health projects spanning coast to coast to
coast. This new funding initiative will extend the capacity of
communities to support their youth in meaningful and healthy
ways."
Dr. Wendy Fletcher
President and Vice-Chancellor, Renison University College
"This infusion of funding for the Icelandic Prevention Model in
Glace Bay and New Waterford will bolster community
resilience by equipping our children and youth with effective
strategies, vital resources and support systems to navigate the
current challenges they face, ultimately aligning with our mission
to inspire hope and foster a brighter future in the lives of
thousands of children and youth in Cape
Breton."
Trevor Denhartogh
Interim Executive Director, Undercurrent Youth Centres
"The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit is thrilled to receive
funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada's Youth Substance Use Prevention
Program. The grant will be a catalyst to engage community partners,
parents and young people in the Icelandic Prevention Model. This
collaboration will have a meaningful and long-term impact on the
health and well-being of young people in Haldimand and
Norfolk."
Syed Shah
Public Health Director, The Haldimand-Norfolk Health
"In our work in northern BC, we have heard youth share dreams
and ideas for inclusive community spaces and opportunities that
support their wellness, and build a sense of belonging and
connection. One youth shared that "in a perfect world, everyone's
safe space is their home – when this isn't available youth need a
"home base" with safe people to connect with." Our hope is that
every community in northern BC can be that safe space where youth
grow, learn, and thrive. We are very excited about implementing the
Icelandic Prevention Model in northern BC to work together with
youth and community partners to secure a bright future for
youth."
Chantelle Wilson
Executive Lead, Child and Youth Service Network, Northern
Health
"Substance use harms, in particular the opioids crisis, is one
of the most vexing issues of our time for our community of
Peterborough. Community
collaboration through this important new grant will allow us to
advance a more effective response to preventing youth substance use
harms and improve health."
Dr. Thomas Piggott
Medical Officer of Health and CEO, Peterborough Public Health
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada has
committed over $1 billion since 2017
to increase access to evidence-based treatment and harm reduction
services; fund awareness, prevention, and stigma reduction
activities; and support research and surveillance initiatives to
inform our response.
- Through new investments announced in Budget 2023, the
Government of Canada is also
investing over $359 million, over
five years, to support a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances
Strategy, which will continue to guide the Government's work to
protect the health and safety of Canadians. This includes
$144 million to the Substance Use and
Addictions Program to fund community-based support and other
evidence-based health interventions.
- Budget 2024 proposes to provide $150
million over three years, starting in 2024-25, to Health
Canada for an Emergency Treatment Fund, open to municipalities and
Indigenous communities to help provide rapid responses to emergent,
critical needs related to the opioid crisis.
- The seven funding recipients receiving grants were approved
applicants from the open call for proposals under the Public Health
Agency of Canada's Youth Substance
Use Prevention Program.
Related Products
- Backgrounder: Support for projects helping communities to
prevent and reduce substance use-related harms among youth
Associated Links
- Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy
- Opioid and stimulant related harms in Canada
- Get Help with Substance Use
- Stigma around drug use
- Federal actions on opioids to date
- Resources for preventing substance related harms among
youth
SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada