STIMULUS 2020: Drugs, policy and practise in Canada

Stimulus: Drugs, Policy and Practice in Canada’s work has changed. Like many others across Canada, the planning team responded to COVID-19 as best we could within this ever changing context. The Stimulus coordinator engaged in worked within the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition team to launch and manage COVID-19 Harm Reduction Resources. This webpage has grown to be a useful tool for Canadian harm reduction and drug policy stakeholders as they respond to both public health crises.

Stimulus 2020, the in person conference is not happening this autumn. A virtual Stimulus 2020 conference is a possibility and we are in early discussion about if and how it could happen.

Through the work of the Stimulus National Implementation and Planning (SNIP) Committee we have pivoted to include 2 new programming pieces:

• Harm Reduction Happy Hour every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This group will be in English only. Harm Reduction Happy Hour is an opportunity for harm reductionists to check in with each other each week. The space is casual and our time together is an opportunity to connect with others. Here is the link for details: https://stimulusconference.ca/harm-reduction-happy-hour/
• The first Stimulus Connect: Stimulus Connect is not just another webinar, it is an opportunity for Canadian stakeholders in harm reduction and drug policy to come together, learn and network on specific topics. The topics are gathered through a range of methods including from SNIP meetings, media, previous Stimulus Connects as well as Harm Reduction Happy Hour. For more details: https://stimulusconference.ca/stimulus-connect/