Being evidence-informed ensures that the HKLN Drug Strategy is using the most up-to-date information and best practices to ensure that community priorities will be undertaken in ways that are most effective, efficient, and equitable. This will ensure that the Drug Strategy remains strategic in recommending interventions shown to be effective with reducing the harms associated with substance use.

Having programs and decision-making processes that are “evidence-informed” implies that agencies are considering the best available evidence from a broad range of information and sources when delivering its program activities. Policy and decision-making processes can be influenced by economic constraints, community views, organizational priorities, and the political environment; however, without the support of good evidence, these factors are an insufficient basis for decisions that affect the lives of people and communities. Good evidence can be found in many sources, including evidence reviews, program evaluations, scientific research, expert opinion, and peoples lived experiences.

This guiding principle recognizes the importance of equitable access to information, opportunities, support, and programs and services, regardless of whether an individual uses alcohol, other drugs or substances. As a Drug Strategy, this means employing effective communication strategies and ensuring that all initiatives led by the Strategy consult and engage with members of the community. The HKLN Drug Strategy also recognizes the needs of each county are unique, and that geographical location can often influence the availability and access to necessary resources. With this understanding, the Drug Strategy strives to engage community members and service providers in each of the three counties to ensure that priorities are defined appropriately and initiatives are implemented equitably.

The partnerships that make up the HKLN Drug Strategy are diverse in nature and include representatives from harm reduction, prevention, treatment, justice, and enforcement, as well as municipalities, peers with lived experience of substance use, Indigenous organizations, and research and evaluation experts. Together we hope to develop a shared vision of promoting health and resiliency, while reducing the harms and stigma associated with substance use. By acting on a common agenda, we work towards developing integrated and inclusive service environments, and toward building effective, long-term coalitions that can be sustained, even beyond funding constraints.