CCSA Celebrates 25 Years of Reducing Harms Caused by Substance Abuse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, August 29, 2013 — On Saturday, August 31, 2013, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) will mark the 25th anniversary of its creation by an Act of Parliament, and a quarter-century of contributing to domestic and international efforts to reduce alcohol- and other drug-related harm.
“Today, we celebrate 25 years of leadership in reducing the harmful impacts of drugs on individuals, families and communities,” said Leanne Lewis, Chair of the CCSA Board of Directors. “From groundbreaking studies on the costs of substance abuse in Canada to participation in dialogue with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, CCSA has had a significant impact in promoting awareness of — and informed policy debate on — substance abuse issues in Canada and around the world.”
From 1988 through to 2013, CCSA has worked with hundreds of partners to improve the health and safety of Canadians, focusing its efforts on key areas of priority to reduce the harms of substance abuse. These include alcohol, prescription drug misuse, treatment, and work directed at children and youth.
“Addiction affects all of us, directly or indirectly,” said Dr. Catherine Zahn, President and CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). “For 25 years, CCSA has effectively contributed to national efforts to reduce these harms, including recent work with CAMH to enhance collaboration in the areas of addiction and mental illness. We look forward to continuing this productive partnership for many years to come.”
“I am proud of my work with CCSA in building consensus in this regard among a range of stakeholders across the country,” said Hubert Sacy, Director General of Educ’alcool. “Canada’s National Alcohol Strategy — a model worldwide — would not have been possible without the efforts, talents, will and patience of CCSA and its partners. What has been accomplished in the past quarter century is worthy not only of mention, but also of admiration.”
“CCSA is a key partner in developing strategies to ensure healthier, safer communities for citizens across the country,” said Chief Mark Mander, Chair of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) Drug Abuse Committee. “Most recently, we joined to promote Canada’s first National Prescription Drug Drop- Off Day, which to date has seen a return of over two tonnes of unused medication. On behalf of the entire CACP executive, I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to CEO Michel Perron and the entire CCSA team.”
CCSA provides national leadership, develops sustainable partnerships and advances solutions to substance abuse issues. Most recently, CCSA released First Do No Harm: Responding to Canada’s Prescription Drug Crisis in March 2013.
For more information on CCSA’s accomplishments over the last 25 years, please visit the special anniversary section of CCSA’s website.
Media contact
Michel Perron, CEO, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse Email: [email protected] | Twitter: @CCSAcanada
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