UBC panel examines how academic institutions can reduce stigma of drug use

published on April 4, 2018 by Clare Hennig in CBC News

Discussion looks at how a university can help tackle the escalating opioid crisis

The University of British Columbia is bringing together academics, community members and people who use drugs in a bid to find out how institutions can reduce stigma around substance use.

It’s a sign that more organizations not typically involved with drug policy are examining their role in fighting the escalating opioid crisis.

For Kenneth Tupper, director of implementation and partnerships with the B.C. Centre on Substance Use, preparing the next generation to respond to the crisis is key.

“Of course, the faculty of medicine and school of nursing are critical, but there are other aspects. Education, social work, law — all of these aspects should be brought to bear on thinking how to address this problem collectively,” said Tupper, another panellist at the discussion.

View the full article