ABOUT

CAPSA is a national leader on the topic of stigma, its impacts on individuals who use substances or have a substance use disorder and on identifying and correcting instances of systemic stigma imbedded in organizations. Employing subject matter experts, with lived and living experience, CAPSA works with organizations to provide education around substance use, stigma related to substance use disorder and the use of person-first language to reduce stigma and discrimination.

CAPSA is a charitable organization of people affected by substance use disorder based in Ottawa, Ontario.

Our Vision

CAPSA’s vision is to create equitable access to Substance Use Health through the allocation of resources and funding that advances individual-centred health care that will meet the self-determined health goals of individuals and communities. This model of Substance Use Health ranges from abstinence to improved Substance Use Health that also includes the possibility of beneficial/safe use; or use that is beneficial for people reporting substance use. 

Our Mission

Through advocacy, education, and compassion, CAPSA will:

Improve the professional and community care services available to individuals affected by a substance use disorder, through approaches and practices that are informed by people with lived/living experience.

Improve accessibility to services and support by helping end stigma for people with lived/living experience.

Advocate and educate stakeholders within the health, social services and community safety sectors, at the national, provincial and local levels, on the issues of importance for people seeking Substance Use Health.

Develop and deliver education and support services for organizations and individuals to create more resilient and inclusive cultures, that reduce stigma and support Substance Use Health, through tailored training and products.

History

2013

CAPSA Established

All People, All Pathways meetings become available.

2013

2014

Participation Expands

Collective volunteerism & community participation for people impacted by substance use disorder.

Recovery Day Ottawa awards begin recognizing allies.

2014

2016-2018

Education, Training & Partnership

#StigmaEndsWithMe focused on person-first language as an outcome.

Knowledge creation, translation and dissemination.

2016-2018

2018

Education, Training & Partnership

#StigmaEndsWithMe is founded.

2018

2019-2020

Building a Network of Support

Working with 150 organizations. 
10,000 followers on social media.
2,000 people attended Recovery Day Ottawa.

2019-2020

2021

Systemic Stigma Work Expands

SUAP funding provided to support addressing systemic stigma.

Regional coordinated access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment in Ottawa, Ontario.

2021

History

2013

CAPSA Established

All People, All Pathways meetings become available.

2014

Participation Expands

Collective volunteerism & community participation for people affected by substance use disorder.

Recovery Day Ottawa awards begin recognizing allies.

2016-2018

Education, Training & Partnership

#StigmaEndsWithMe focused on person-first language as an outcome.

Knowledge creation, translation and dissemination

2018

Education, Training & Partnership

#StigmaEndsWithMe is founded.

2019-2020

Building a Network of Support

Working with 150 organizations. 
10,000 followers on social media.
2,000 people attended Recovery Day Ottawa.

2021

Systemic Stigma Work Expands

SUAP funding provided to support addressing systemic stigma change.

Regional coordinated access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment in Ottawa, Ontario.

CAPSA NewsLetter

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