MSTH Connects: Care on the Prairies - Stories of Family Caregiving for People Who Use Drugs in Rural Communities

Now a decade into the drug poisoning crisis, most attention has focused on urban areas of Canada. Yet, data indicates that rural communities are facing increased drug-related deaths and limited access to evidence-based services. As a result, many families are stepping in to provide support for loved ones who use drugs, but their work is often "invisible."

Join us on May 24, 2024 at 9:00Am PT/ 11:00Am CT/ 12:00pm ET for an overview of findings from a recent community-based research project with 31 family members providing care for loved ones who use drugs in rural Prairie communities (conducted in partnership with Moms Stop the Harm). You can expect to learn more about how rural families and communities experience the toxic drug crisis, the care work being provided by rural families, the personal toll of providing such care, and families’ suggestions on what would make life better for people who use drugs in rural settings.

Presenters: 

Dr. Holly Mathias is Assistant Professor of Family Science in the Department of Human Ecology at the University of Alberta and Research Scientist with the Inner City Health and Wellness Program. Holly’s program of community-based research explores how families encounter and experience emerging health and social issues, such as the toxic drug supply. Raised in rural Nova Scotia, Holly especially enjoys conducting research that supports and celebrates rural families and their communities. Holly holds a PhD in Public Health Sciences from the University of Alberta and lives on Treaty 6 territory. 

Jenn McCrindle is co-founder and Communications Lead of RECLAIM Collective. Jenn has been actively involved in national and provincial harm reduction work in Alberta since 2012. For the past 7 years, she has worked as a frontline Rural Outreach worker with Turning Point on Treaty 6 & 7 lands (Central Alberta). She has been involved with several projects as a community based research assistant including Canadian Association of People who Use Drugs best practices for engagement and inclusion Jenn lives and works very rurally and is an advocate for improving substance use services in small communities.