About
The University of Saskatchewan Research Chair in Substance Abuse was created in 2007 in a partnership agreement with the provincial government and the University of Saskatchewan. The provincial government has committed $1.6 million in funding for the new research chair at the university. The position was established as part of the University’s Integrated Plan Initiative in Public Health and the Government of Saskatchewan’s alcohol and drug initiatives. The Research Chair’s mandate is to increase Saskatchewan’s substance abuse research capacity, strengthen the training of addiction workers, and increase the effective use of research resources in substance abuse prevention and treatment. Dr. Colleen Anne Dell undertook the Chair in July 2007, as a six year appointment, and holds a joint appointment between the University of Saskatchewan School of Public Health and Department of Sociology.
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CANADIAN CENTRE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE
In 2007, the University of Saskatchewan and the canadian centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) signed a three-year Memorandum of Agreement that outlines a commitment to work together on various opportunitities. This partnership brings together the unique strengths of both organizations so that in cooperation with each other, they can create and promote harm reduction strategies in the field of addictions. The MOA was renewed in September, 2010 for three years.
Dr. Dell’s position as Research Chair in Substance Abuse will help to increase what is known about substance abuse issues and how best to treat them. This in turn will contribute to the partnership between organizations and help provide a bridge between academia and the field of addictions.
Recent projects that have resulted from this partnership include:
- A Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funded project that has resulted in the creation of a song, music video and workshop documenting the healing experiences of Aboriginal women in treatment for drug abuse
- A partnership with the University of South Australia working towards increasing understanding around sex, gender and diversity in relation to substance use and addictions
- Involvement in the development of an international research program focused on the treatment of volatile solvent abuse for Indigenous youth – funded by a Developmental Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada International Opportunities Fund
- Participation in Canada’s National Anti-Drug Strategy through CCSA’s National Advisory Group on Youth Prevention
This is only a sample of their work together. For more information click here.
Media Release – Saskatchewan’s Battle Against Addictions is Strengthened
CCSA INITIATIVES OF INTEREST TO SASKATCHEWAN
The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse spearheads several national initiatives that the provinces and territories, including Saskatchewan, are key partners in. Some highlights include:
- The National Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms from Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in Canada responds to calls issued by Canadians, their Governments and non-governmental organizations. The Framework, led collaboratively by CCSA and Health Canada, sets out a vision, principles, goals, and several priorities for action to reduce the harms associated with alcohol and other drugs and substances in Canada.
- Canada has one national set of low-risk alcohol drinking guidelines, with the support of federal, provincial and territorial health ministers, as well as many respected Canadian organizations like the CCSA. These guidelines, intended for Canadians of legal drinking age who choose to drink alcohol, are informed by the most recent and best available scientific research and evidence. The guidelines can be accesed here.
- The Canadian Network of Substance Abuse and Allied Professionals is a CCSA website dedicated to Canada’s substance abuse workforce. New resources are contained on it, such as the recent Canadian Standards for Youth Substance Abuse Prevention — Building on Our Strengths: Canadian Standards for School-based Youth Substance Abuse Prevention – A Guide for Education and Health Personnel. The Standards were developed as a resource for those in the field to help strengthen school-centered prevention efforts across Canada. The Essentials of Women and Addictions Issues, authored by Dr. Dell, will be available soon.
Information on additional CCSA initiatives is available on the CCSA website.
