Massey Dialogue: Understanding Substance Use Disorder and Stigmas Around It, followed by Naloxone Training Workshop by a CAMH Pharmacist

This event is open to the Massey Community and the wider public.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a growing public health issue in Ontario and Canada. Despite its negative effects on health, many individuals hesitate to seek treatment due to the societal stigma associated with SUD. In this panel discussion, we will explore the challenges faced by individuals with SUD in seeking help, delve into the associated barriers and stigmas, and discuss the crucial role of advocacy and public policy in improving the current state of SUD in Canada. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a naloxone training workshop at the end of the session.

Speaker bios:

Dr. Tianna Costa, PharmD earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from the University of Toronto (UofT) and subsequently completed her residency at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Currently, Tianna serves as a Clinical Pharmacist at CAMH, specializing in the treatment of concurrent disorders. In her role, she operates within an outpatient clinic and offers medication therapy management as part of an interdisciplinary team. She is also the pharmacist on the addiction consult-liaison service at CAMH. Her commitment extends to teaching in UofT’s PharmD programs and providing virtual mental health and addiction education through ECHO Ontario Mental Health. 

Dr. Michael Chaiton is a senior scientist at CAMH’s Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, director of research at the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit and associate professor affiliated with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and the Institute for Medical Sciences, at University of Toronto.

He has a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Toronto and is co-director of the Collaborative Specialization on Addiction Studies. His work has been funded by CIHR, NIH, FDA, PHAC, Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Health. He received an early career research award and was recognized as having a top impact paper from the Canadian Cancer Society. 

Akwasi Owusu-Bempah B.A. (Carleton), M.A., Ph.D. (Toronto), is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto and a Senior Fellow at Massey College. He holds Affiliate Scientist status at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and serves as Director of Research for the Campaign for Cannabis Amnesty. Dr. Owusu-Bempah’s work examines the intersections of race, crime and criminal justice. His current research spans across criminal justice institutions. He is also studying various aspects of drug legalization in Canada and around the world. He published regularly in both academic and popular forums. Dr. Owusu-Bempah began his academic career in the United States at Indiana University, Bloomington. Prior to becoming a professor, he held positions with Canada’s National Judicial Institute, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General. He is frequently sought out to provide commentary and advice to police agencies, government bodies, community organizations, and media outlets on matters relating to policing, justice, and social inequality.

The panel discussion will be livestreamed and recorded to our YouTube Channel. The training will be in person only.

This is a Pillar 5 event in the Junior Fellows Professional Program. More information here: Junior Fellows Professional Program – Massey College