Background
The AC Umbrella Project Toolkit
A Harm Reduction Strategy for Post-Secondary Institutions
Overview
The AC Umbrella Project, a Mental Health Innovation Fund project, has created a successful model that embodies best practices to provide substance use prevention, awareness, and early intervention to emerging adults within a post-secondary setting.
Background
The AC Umbrella Project is a College-wide project that provides training, workshops, education, awareness, and support services for students who use substances, and those who care for them.
Algonquin College undertook a two-year project funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development’ Mental Health Innovation Fund with the goal of developing and building a sustainable harm reduction framework for post-secondary institutions. The AC Umbrella Project is focused on:
- Increasing awareness and education of how to reduce harms associated with substance use;
- Supporting students who are struggling with substance use to succeed in their college careers;
- Continuing Algonquin College’s commitment to a healthy campus community.
Substance use among Ontario college students has been linked to increased incidences of assault, sexual violence, suicide, and violations of student conduct policies (American College Health Association, 2013). This project is a collaboration between Algonquin College Student Support Services, Algonquin College Partnerships and Applied Research, community partners Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, and Tungasuvvingat Inuit Community Centre.