CICAD, Montréal, November 18 th, 2003 Introducing the Health, Education and Enforcement in Partnership (HEP) Network A presentation to the 34 th Regular

CICAD, Montréal, November 18th, 2003

Introducing the Health, Education and Enforcement in Partnership (HEP)

Network

A presentation to the 34th Regular Session of CICAD, November 18th, Montréal, Canada

Barry King, Chair of the Board of Directors, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

Michel Perron, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse


The purpose of the CCSA is to: promote informed debate on substance abuse issues and

encourage public participation in reducing the harm associated with drug abuse;

disseminate information on the nature, extent and consequences of substance abuse; and

support and assist organizations involved in substance abuse treatment, prevention and educational programming.

Created by an Act of Parliament in 1988 as Canada’s national non-governmental organization on addiction and is the only federally created national agency responsible for drugs and drug abuse.

A founding partner of HEP.

Background on the CCSA


What is HEP?

HEP’S PHILOSOPHY: One of inclusion, respect among partners, and a desire to identify and

act on common issues

A network of organizations and individuals addressing substance abuse issues through collaborative initiatives

Established in 1994

Policy and program focus

Engages at the municipal, provincial and federal levels

Informed by epidemiological studies that enable partners to respond effectively to identified trends


Why a HEP Partnership?

Solutions are complex and multi-faceted

One approach alone will not succeed in addressing all of the challenges presented by substance abuse

HEP believes that the synergy of its partners will come closer to achieving results than previous isolated efforts

Moves from a balanced approach into an integrated one.


Why a presentation to CICAD?

HEP is: portable and can be applied in numerous environments and cultures

a means of implementing a national strategy at a local level

easily sustained, low cost and a win/win for all involved

an important risk manager and forum to attract and pool resources

Canada will sponsor a HEP workshop in the Caribbean in 2004


What does HEP look like?

National Steering Committee supported by a Secretariat at CCSA

The Steering Committee provides an interactive and integrated forum to examine policy issues, exchange information, increase understanding and cooperation between multi-disciplinary partners, and respond to the needs of the partners.

HEP also operates in a similar manner at the provincial/territorial, regional and municipal levels.

Where formalized HEP coalitions address policy issues and cooperate on program initiatives in response to epidemiological data, community concerns, inter-agency challenges and health and safety priorities.


HEP Partners

Can be as broad or specific as you deem appropriate

In Canada it includes: Government Police Health and addictions services Community treatment agencies Social services School systems Correctional, probation and parole services


Examples of HEP Progress to Date

Health and Enforcement in Partnership: How the Police, Justice, Community Groups, and Health and Social Agencies are Working Together to Build Healthier, Safer Neighborhoods

Collaborate!: Health and Enforcement in Partnership: How to Build Partnerships for Alcohol and other Drug Projects

National annual forum


Annual Symposia Themes

1996 – Success factors for collaboration 1997 – Mission, Message and Messenger for drug

education aimed at youth 1998 – Strategic direction for HEP 1999 – Policy oriented concentration 2000 – Strengthening national, provincial and local

partnerships 2001 – Focusing on what we do best 2002 - HEP on the ground 2003 - A new drug strategy – A renewed opportunity


The Rewards of a HEP Approach

Applies a proven enforcement practice of integrated teams beyond the police community

Increases the understanding of various perspectives and ideologies

Bridges semantical divides Creates more accurate public visibility around substance

abuse issues Avoid duplication of services Increases strength of policy and program advocacy Provides a leverage mechanism for scarce resources


Action focused, rather than rules and protocol oriented

Respects differences and equality of all partners Encourages all potential partnerships Identifies leadership and coordination and recognizes

the need for “ownership” Acknowledges shortfalls and lessons learned Celebrates and shares successes



Maintains a clear strategic vision Identifies “best practice” approaches Creates and maintain a communications plan Manages stagnant membership Minimizes high turnover - commitment is key Ensures that individual views do not override the

collective interest “Agree to disagree”



Where to From Here?

Continue to improve communications within and outside the network

Develop stronger links between policy and practice Forge greater integration of epidemiological data as the

basis for informed decisions Embed HEP as an integral part of Canada’s renewed

Drug Strategy Share our experiences with others


HEP/CICAD Workshop sponsored by Canada

Two-day interactive workshop in the Caribbean for two representatives (Health and Enforcement) to: Introduce the HEP approach Explore readiness of developing multi-sectoral

partnerships through pre-workshop interviews Assist in the formulation of specific approaches to

implementation

The HEP workshop is positioned to build on other related CICAD led initiatives including an OFDT ‘rapid assessment’ training project.


Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA)

75 Albert Street

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - K1P 5E7

Tel: 1.613.235.4048

Fax: 1.613.235.8101

www.ccsa.ca

[email protected]

Documents

CICAD, Montréal, November 18 th, 2003 Introducing the Health, Education and Enforcement in Partnership (HEP) Network A presentation to the 34 th Regular