Support Not Stigma
Community Engagement Lead for Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington’s Integrated Care Hub: 2021 Rapid Assessment and Response Community Needs Assessment
Client
- Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington’s Integrated Care Hub
Date
- January - March 2021
The Work.
Funding from HIV/AIDS Regional Services, Kingston Community Health Centres, Street Health Centre and the United Way of KFL&A. Kingston, Ontario was experiencing a drug poisoning crisis and a homelessness crisis during a global pandemic. In such dangerous times, it was not wise to make assumptions based on pre-COVID knowledge. The people who frequented the Integrated Care Hub (ICH) – its stakeholders – knew best what they were experiencing and what they needed. A rapid needs assessment about people who frequented the ICH and used crystal meth and/or opiates was undertaken, and a detailed report generated. The information gathered was designed to guide the development of effective responses and drug policy to support people who use crystal meth and opiates, and prevent overdose.
The Team
The Impact.
This project provided a wealth of information and suggestions from those interviewed on how the health and social service sectors can improve service delivery. The findings informed an application to Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), which was funded $1.5 Million over 2 years. Candice became the Project Manager for the SUAP series of initiatives serving people with substance use and addictions challenges: low-barrier employment, building community through art, Indigenous wellness, moral-injury prevention training for harm reduction workers, and a documentary on the challenges faced by harm reduction workers serving the homeless population.
