Through the Substance Abuse and Youth in School (SAYS) Coalition, ONFE brings together many partners to improve access to substance abuse education, prevention and treatment for youth in our community. In addition to facilitating the work of the Coalition, ONFE also coordinates the implementation of the school-based services supported by our funding partners.
The SAYS Coalition brings together fifteen organizations (listed below), including all four local school boards, youth-focused addiction treatment agencies, enforcement, and allied professionals to enhance communication and find ways to work together more effectively. Since its establishment in 2006, the Coalition has been working to develop, resource and implement comprehensive drug and alcohol abuse prevention and treatment programs for students at the Grade 7 – 12 levels in area schools.
Prior to the establishment of the SAYS Coalition, there was no funding stream dedicated to school-based support for students struggling with substance abuse issues. Through the efforts of many community partners, new resources were committed in 2008 for the expansion of substance abuse education, prevention and treatment for youth. Funding partners include the Province of Ontario, the City of Ottawa, the four local school boards, and the United Way/Centraide Ottawa's Project s.t.e.p.
| Conseil des écoles catholiques de langue francaise du Centre-Est | Youth Program and Early Intervention Program, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Policy, Education and Health Promotion, East Region |
| Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario | Mental Health Patient Service Unit, CHEO | Ottawa Police Services (Youth Intervention / Diversion Unit) |
| Ottawa Carleton District School Board | Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre | RCMP Drug and Organized Crime Awareness Unit, “A” Division |
| Ottawa Catholic School Board | Maison Fraternité | United Way/Centraide Ottawa |
| Ottawa Public Health | Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services | Ottawa Network for Education |
16% of Ontario students in grades 7 to 12 may have a drug or alcohol problem requiring treatment, yet less than 2% of students have received treatment services.
- Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey
Elza Seregelyi
Project Manager
613 831-4997
elza.seregelyi@sympatico.ca
