February 2025 News & Notes

Here's what's going on at CAI

Welcoming our new Director of Engagement

We are pleased to introduce a new team member! Patrick McDougall joined CAI in January as the new Director of Engagement. Patrick is passionate about tackling structural inequities and improving health and social outcomes. He previously led a national division at the Dr. Peter Centre, supporting over 400 organizations with mentorship, training, and microgrants. In this role, he facilitated a bilingual community of practice for supervised consumption site and overdose prevention site service providers.

Originally from Halifax, Patrick has a Master's in Public Administration from Dalhousie University and a BA from McGill University. Patrick enjoys exploring nature year-round, from snowshoeing in the mountains during the winter to snorkeling in the summer.

Within his first few weeks at CAI, Patrick had the privilege of participating in a listening session that took place in Prince George. Co-hosted by CAI and Yulu, the Prince George session brought together community members, service providers, and advocates to explore how the Prince George Community Action Team (CAT) can strengthen its storytelling and engagement efforts in response to the toxic drug crisis.

Patrick reflects on his experiences and learnings from the session on our blog.
Read Patrick's blog here!

New Supports for Bereaved Youth Impacted by the Toxic Drug Crisis

"Thousands of families across BC have suffered the loss of a loved one to toxic drug poisoning. The grief and loss felt by children and adolescents who've lost loved ones is overwhelming and heartbreaking. Carrier Sekani Family Services plans to support children and youth impacted by the opioid crisis by offering culturally sensitive, trauma-informed grief and loss programming, with funding provided by CAI." -  Mary Teegee-Gray, Carrier Sekani Family Services

After nearly a decade since the toxic drug crisis was declared a public health emergency in BC, youth across the province have been profoundly impacted by deaths within their families and communities. We are pleased to announce that youth will now have greater access to specialized bereavement care to help support their emotional health and wellness.

Through CAI and the Province of BC, 12 organizations have been awarded new Youth Wellness Grant funding to provide community-based bereavement care for youth and their families who are left grieving. Funding for this initiative has been provided by the Ministry of Health’s Overdose Response Branch. Grant awards are for $80,000 per year for a 3-year term. 

Grant recipients: 

• Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC d.b.a. Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
• Canadian Mental Health Association-Shuswap
• Carrier Sekani Family Services
• Comox Valley Hospice Society
• Fort Nelson First Nation
• Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society
• Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Service Society
• Learning Through Loss
• Low Entropy
• Lumara Grief & Bereavement Care Society
• Matsqui-Abbotsford Impact Society
• Tsleil-Waututh Nation

External Community Opportunities & Resources

Resource: Indigenous Knowledge Translation Working Group - Humility, Respect, Connection and Love

The Indigenous Knowledge Translation Working Group (IKTWG) has shared their latest resources for family members, friends and loved ones who are struggling with their relationship with alcohol and/or substances. The intent of these posters is to bring attention to Indigenous ways of care and offers pathways forward together through connection to land, community and culture.

After hearing from many Indigenous community members, the Indigenous partners of the IKTWG  (First Nations Health Authority, Metis Nation BC and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centers) and from members of the BCCDC Harm Reduction’s Peer Engagement and Evaluation Project (PEEP), the members of the IKTWG developed Substance Use: Humility, Respect, Connection and Love.

The Interior Health Youth Harm Reduction Team recently launched a free online course focused on harm reduction and youth. This course covers essential information on integrating harm reduction principles, approaches and services into your practice when working with youth.

• Understand what harm reduction is and why its an important part of the continuum of care when to working with youth. 
• Become familiar with youth substance trends and influences.
• Know what harm reduction services are available for youth in B.C.
• Understand how harm reduction work with youth fits with key legislation.

“The toxic drug crisis is one of the most urgent public health emergencies of our time. Our response must be rooted in evidence, compassion, and a commitment to saving lives, not in ideological divides.” - Ian Culbert, CPHA’s executive director

The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) has released a new position statement, Public Health Approaches to the Toxic Drug Crisis, urging all levels of government to take immediate, evidence-based action to curb preventable deaths caused by toxic drug poisoning.

As toxic drug deaths continue to devastate communities across Canada, CPHA’s position statement outlines a comprehensive, public health-centered response that prioritizes harm reduction, safer supply programs, decriminalization, prevention, treatment, and Indigenous-led initiatives.

Grant: Northern Health Authority - IMAGINE Grants

The Northern Health Authority's IMAGINE community grants exist to support projects that address community-led health and wellness initiatives while improving the well-being of all Northern BC residents. Funding of up to $10,000 is available for Northern community-based initiatives that focus on health and wellness priorities.

Click here to learn more about this funding opportunity and to apply.

Grant: Victoria Foundation - Vital Stream Grants

Funding: Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation
Pacific Blue Cross currently has applications open for two funding opportunities:

1. Partner Program - Up to $45,000.
2. Major Investment - Up to $100,000.

Click here to learn more about this funding opportunity and to apply.

Articles & Media