Small cities release Playbook for Action around substance use
The first municipally led standards for prevention, treatment, recovery, policing, policies, and more, around substance use are now available.
The Small Cities Playbook for Action features more than 50 possible evidence-based interventions a community can choose from and adapt based on their needs.
The Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction says it was developed with recommendations and input from mayors and community leaders representing 30 regions across Canada.
That includes West Nipissing.
“Small communities like West Nipissing are not immune to the impacts of the substance use crisis,” says Mayor Kathleen Thorne Rochon. “In many ways, we experience them more personally because the effects are felt across families, schools, workplaces and neighbourhoods. Rural and northern municipalities are often working with limited resources while trying to respond to increasingly complex challenges. We need a seat at the table, opportunities to share what’s working and support to build local approaches that reflect the realities of our communities.”
She adds the Small Cities Playbook for Action is valuable because it recognizes there is no single solution to the substance use crisis, especially in small, rural and northern communities.
“The playbook offers an array of evidence-based interventions that municipalities can choose from and adapt to fit their own local realities — whether that’s prevention and education, housing supports, treatment and recovery, harm reduction or public safety initiatives,” she says. “For communities like West Nipissing, having access to practical tools and proven approaches that can be customized to work for us is an important step toward building healthier, safer and more resilient communities.”
For more information, visit the CCSA website.
Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
