About Us

CAPSA is a registered charity working to dismantle substance use stigma and advance equity for people accessing information, care, and supports related to Substance Use Health. We work across Canada with organizations in non-profit, health and social services, government and private sectors.

Our team includes educators, researchers, clinicians, and policy analysts, informed by lived and living experience, and by what we hear from thousands of people with lived and living experience (PWLLE) across the country.

What We Do

CAPSA helps organizations build practical, stigma-free approaches to Substance Use Health.

We provide: training and education, consulting and implementation support, healthy workplace services, evidence-based resources and tools, community events and public learning opportunities.

We prioritize clarity and feasibility: resources that are practical, concrete, and ready to use.

View our services here: https://capsa.ca/services/

View Our Services

Our Approach

We believe in a compassionate, equitable, and stigma-free approach to Substance Use Health. We value collaboration, knowing that working together strengthens communities and improves access to support. We also believe that people should have access to information and care no matter where they are on the Substance Use Health Spectrum. Through these principles, we aim to foster environments where everyone can meet their substance use health goals with dignity.

Our Values

Purpose-driven

Advance compassion and health equity through actionable solutions.

Grounded

Value experiential evidence alongside clinical and practice-based expertise.

Authentic

Embody the diversity of values and experiences we promote in our work

Provocative and Pragmatic

Challenge outdated norms to address current needs and aspirations.

Connected

Bridge the gap between people and the systems that support them.

2025 – 2030 Strategic Plan

Our vision

All people, on all pathways to wellness, have access to support for their Substance Use Health – free from discrimination, conditions, or consequences.

Our Values

Purpose-driven | Grounded | Authentic | Provocative and Pragmatic | Connected

Our Mission

At the forefront of change, CAPSA collaborates with partners to dismantle systemic stigma and promote health across the full spectrum of Substance Use Health.

Our focus for the Next Five Years

Put Substance Use Health into Practice

Move Substance Use Health from a conceptual framework into action through policy and practice in the healthcare system.

Meet Workplace Demand

Expand support for employers, unions, and employee assistance programs to foster healthy, productive workplaces.

Expand Partnerships

Build a diversity of alliances nationwide, with growing emphasis on French-speaking organizations.

Increase Use and Uptake of CAPSA Publications

Produce relevant and representative resources to influence decision-making, reduce stigma, and promote health.

Improve Co-leadership Capacity

Co-design Substance Use Health services, policies, and research, highlighting the importance of experiential evidence in the process.

Increase Financial Independence

Grow our social enterprise, enhance branding and marketing, and deepen relationships with charitable foundations.

CAPSA NewsLetter

Sign-up to the CAPSA newsletter that includes major upcoming events, opportunities to engage, and education on substance use health, stigma and person-first language and its role on ending discrimination.

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