It is estimated that 21 per cent of Canadians experience a substance use problem at some point in their life and during the pandemic the number of deaths related to illicit drugs soared. Alcohol use disorder is even more prevalent, driving five times more emergency department visits compared with opioids, and also carrying increased risk of death. In Simcoe/Muskoka, the Health Unit reports that substance use disorders were the most common reason for mental health related emergency department visits between 2017-2021. Almost 1 in 4 return to the emergency department within one month, which speaks to the unmet needs for specialized community based care. 

With this in mind, Waypoint has invited Dr. Alexander Caudarella, the Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), to share his advice and expertise on how system partners can collaborate on solutions. He has previously served as the medical director of substance use services at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and developed innovative clinical programs to improve access to a better standard of care. Dr. Caudarella’s vast experience also includes contributing to Indigenous-led programs in Canada and abroad aimed at building capacity, decreasing stigma, and building local workforces. He is also well known to Waypoint, having consulted in the development of the virtual care intensive day treatment program, which extends care options beyond our inpatient service making expert care more accessible. Waypoint’s Georgianwood Virtual program is a 100 per cent remote/virtual program offering six to 18 weeks of evidence based treatment. To learn more about the program, which includes self-referrals please view the program brochure.

In addition to the insightful discussion, Waypoint will recognize the dedication and service of Board Member John McCullough and VP of Corporate Services and CFO Lorraine Smith upon their retirement.

President and CEO Dr. Nadiya Sunderji is eagerly anticipating the upcoming event. “As this marks my first Annual Report to the Community as CEO, I am thrilled to share the amazing work happening at Waypoint every day. After persevering through the challenges of the past few years, it is inspiring and energizing to see us come together, and I invite you to join us on this momentous occasion to hear from Dr. Caudarella about how together we can find solutions to the addictions crisis.”

The event will be held on June 2, from 1:30-2:45pm at 500 Church Street Penetanguishene in the Atrium Auditorium. Space is limited, please RSVP by May 26, 2023 to rstamant@waypointcentre.ca. All guests are asked to self-screen for infectious illness before attending this hospital event.