Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

Experts Explore Opportunities for Canada–U.S. Collaboration to Tackle the Opioid Crisis

Edmonton, Alberta, April 11, 2018 — On Wednesday, April 11, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) and the United States Consulate will host a one-day expert forum in Edmonton to share knowledge and experiences about the opioid crisis.

The speakers will discuss initiatives focused on opioids that have been implemented across the United States and Canada, and how decision makers and healthcare professionals can learn from, and apply, effective programs in other jurisdictions. Experts will share their learnings, best practices and innovative solutions related to the opioid crisis.

“In 2016 there were 2,816 reported opioid-related deaths in Canada, and public health experts estimate the total lives lost in 2017 will exceed 4,000 when final data is made available,” says Rita Notarandrea, Chief Executive Officer of CCSA. “Behind these numbers are families who are struggling to come to terms with the devastating impacts of this crisis. This joint forum will provide a platform for both countries to work together to generate awareness and help prevent further tragedies.”

The forum will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about the effectiveness of evidencebased approaches across North America, while exploring opportunities to work collaboratively to implement health policy that will drive meaningful change.

Edmonton is the second location of this six-part speaker series, which will continue to travel to cities across Canada over the coming months. At each stop, experts will share valuable first-hand experiences with Canadians, while providing an important opportunity for participants to learn and explore ways to develop meaningful, effective solutions to the opioid crisis in their communities and across the country.

Sheena Taha, Knowledge Broker at CCSA, Tom Hill, Vice-President, Practice Improvement, at the U.S. National Council for Behavioral Health, and Barry Andres, Executive Director, Addiction and Mental Health, with Alberta Health Services, are available for media interviews, upon request.

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