Dr. Azim Kasmani, Niagara Region’s Medical Officer of Health
“Substance use affects communities in many ways, and addressing it requires a collaborative, compassionate and proactive approach. Through Niagara’s Community Substance Use Strategy, community partners across the region are coming together to turn evidence-informed guidance into meaningful action. Through shared commitment and coordinated action, we can strengthen prevention efforts, improve community health, and support the well-being of residents across Niagara.” – Dr. Azim Kasmani, Niagara Region’s Medical Officer of Health
News from Niagara’s Regional Government
Posted October 31st, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Niagara, Ontario – Niagara has developed a new Community Substance Use Strategy designed to prevent and reduce the harms caused by substance use across the region.
Niagara’s Community Substance Use Strategy [https://www.niagararegion.ca/projects/substance-use-strategy/default.aspx], shared with Regional Council at its Oct. 23 meeting, is based on provincial and national best practices and focuses on Prevention, Harm Reduction, Treatment, and Community Safety.
The Strategy provides a framework for collaboration among service providers and community partners to support the health and well-being of all Niagara residents.
The Strategy identifies five recommendations:
- Build Resilience in Children, Youth and Families
- Promote Harm Reduction Principles Broadly and Reduce Stigma
- Strengthen Partnerships Across Sectors
- Improve Access to Treatment and Services
- Support Safer Communities for Everyone
The Strategy also identifies a series of actions for each recommendation that, working with the community, will be implemented over the next four years.
Development of the Strategy was informed by community engagement, through surveys and focus groups, with health and social service providers, Public Health, lived and living experts and the wider community.
The creation of the Niagara Community Substance Use Strategy was identified as an action in the Region’s Community Safety and Well-being plan as well as a priority for Niagara Region’s Public Health department, both of which recognized that substance use continues to pose community safety and health challenges in Niagara, with significant impacts on individuals, families and neighbourhoods.
Learn more about Niagara’s Substance Use Strategy [https://www.niagararegion.ca/projects/substance-use-strategy/default.aspx].
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