This proposed one-day community engagement event will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Kamloops, British Columbia at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) campus. The event responds to gaps in collaborative dialogue, education, and community-informed research related to harm reduction, recovery-oriented care, and the potential role of medical cannabis as an adjunct intervention for individuals experiencing substance use, chronic pain, trauma, and complex mental health challenges. Frontline organizations and health care providers are increasingly supporting individuals with overlapping health and social needs while experiencing workforce strain, burnout, and limited opportunities for interdisciplinary knowledge exchange. There is a need for psychologically safer spaces where community organizations, researchers, health professionals, and people with lived and living experience can openly explore evidence-informed approaches, identify knowledge gaps, and discuss community priorities related to harm reduction and recovery.
The event will take the format of a one-day in-person gathering that includes keynote discussions, lived-experience panel conversations, facilitated small-group dialogue sessions, and community networking opportunities. The venue supports inclusive participation and relationship building.
Participants will include people with lived and living experience of substance use and recovery, peer support workers, nurses, allied health professionals, community outreach organizations, recovery centres, researchers, students, Indigenous community representatives, and health and social service stakeholders. Potential collaborating organizations and community connections include Ask Wellness Society, TRU Brain Health Coalition, Interior Health representatives, peer support networks, and local mental health and substance use service providers.
Anticipated outcomes include increased knowledge sharing related to harm reduction and medical cannabis research, strengthened partnerships between community organizations and researchers, identification of future research priorities, and enhanced understanding of current service gaps and workforce challenges. The event will support knowledge mobilization by creating opportunities for participants to exchange practical experiences, discuss evidence-informed practices, and explore collaborative approaches that may improve community health and support more sustainable frontline care systems in BC.
Additional team members and participating organizations:
Key collaborators and participating organizations include the Thompson Rivers University School of Nursing, which is hosting and supporting the event; the TRU Brain Health Coalition, which promotes interdisciplinary collaboration related to brain health, mental health, and recovery; ASK Wellness Society, a valued community partner in outreach, housing, harm reduction, and recovery services; and Cannsolve Medical Clinic, contributing expertise in medical cannabis and mental health. The initiative will also involve researchers, nurses, allied health professionals, peer support workers, students, Indigenous community representatives, and individuals with lived and living experience who will contribute to planning, dialogue, and knowledge mobilization activities.