Fentanyl: Breaking the cycle

The SFU Urban Studies Program joins Douglas College and the City of New Westminster in co-sponsoring two public forums on urban challenges. The fentanyl crisis is new, but the opioid crisis is not. Join a frank discussion of how fentanyl fits within a pattern of opioid crises that goes back to the 1970s; the overlapping issues of homelessness, addiction, mental illness and criminality; how police are responding and the challenges they face; and long-term solutions based on a practical understanding of the larger issues. Welcome: Dr. John Fleming, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (Douglas College) Moderator: Dr. Regina Casey, Coordinator, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program (Douglas College). Dr. Casey’s research interests lay in developing a better understanding of the experiences of people who live with mental health issues as well as their families, with a view of promoting and developing recovery-oriented, effective, clinical practices and policy. (3:23) Panelists: Dr. Julian Somers, Faculty of Health Sciences (SFU). A clinical psychologist and associate professor, who directs the Somers Research Institute in the Faculty of Health Sciences at SFU. He’s international recognized for his work in improving individual health and community safety through innovations in public policies, services, and advanced information systems. He’s a lead investigator in the Vancouver at Home Project. Dr. Somers has led the randomized trials, multi-site interventions, and population health level studies described in over one hundred publications. He’s committed to knowledge exchange, community engagement, teaching, and mentorship. Dr. Somers has held leadership positions in professional, academic, and clinical settings for over 20 years and serves as an advisor to senior officials in government and corporate roles. (7:52) Dave Jones, Chief Constable (New Westminster Police Department). Dave began his policing career in 1982 as a volunteer with the New Westminster Police Department. He was hired as a fulltime officer in 1986 and worked his way through the ranks to assume the top position of Chief Constable in 2011. During his career he’s worked in a variety of sections ofthe police service, including Patrol, Major Crimes, Special Operations Unit, Drugs Section, Community Services Section, and Street Crimes Unit. In addition, he’s worked in a variety of joint forces operations including the Drugs Section, the Operational Support Unit, and the Street Crimes unit. Chief Jones has led and participated in numerous major projects, including the Downtown Initiative that helped support people dealing and using crack cocaine in the 1990s. Working with various city departments, he helped to create an integrated service team model that is still in effect today that deals collectively with community and policing issues. Recognizing his dedication in serving and protecting his community, Chief Jones has been presented with a number of awards, including the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Last year, Doulgas College named Chief Jones an Honorary Fellow. A Douglas College Criminology grad, Chief Jones holds a Bachelor’s of General Studies and degree of joint Simon Fraser Justice Institute of BC Leadership Development Program. (26:46) Q&A with panelists (42:52)