This webinar will give an overview of the body of knowledge that describes how experiences at sensitive periods of development change the brain in ways that increase or decrease risk for later physical and mental illness, including addiction (“The Brain Story”). In addition, it will demonstrate how this knowledge can be used to transform policy and practice. Dr. Nicole Sherren will discuss core story of early brain development and the impacts of toxic stress on physical and mental health outcomes. Cynthia Wild will describe how she has integrated this knowledge into the workplace, and how this has helped guide everything from service provision to grant development. Join in exploring how understanding brain architecture can lead to broader, system level changes throughout society, including how law enforcement, medical professionals, and government officials treat those with addiction and mental health challenges. This webinar is hosted by the Mental Health Commission of Canada & the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.

Integrated youth services (IYS) often provide a “one-stop-shop” for mental health, physical health, substance use and addictions, education, vocational supports, housing, and other social services. IYS initiatives meet the needs of youth and young adults aged 12-25 across multiple domains of their lives by reducing systemic barriers, including the division between paediatric and adult services, and limited cross-sector collaboration. Frayme has had the unique opportunity to learn from 10 international IYS initiatives to gain ‘on the ground’ practical information that’s largely unavailable in the literature. This webinar is the first in a 6-part series and will present aggregated findings on how these IYS are organized and operated. Considerations discussed will include partner and stakeholder engagement, rationales for establishment, organizational principles, governance and leadership structures, funding, and barriers and enablers. There will be time at the end of the presentation for questions. Learning objectives: This webinar will allow participants to: Learn about the scope of integrated youth services (IYS), including the principles, processes, and funding sources that guide and facilitate their establishment Differentiate between IYS networks and single sites, and understand their governance structures and responsibilities Explore enablers, barriers, and sustainability concerns related to IYS This webinar is hosted by Frayme.

Presented by: Michael Amlung, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at McMaster University Lana Vedelago, M.Sc. Student, Neuroscience Graduate Program Aims of the session: Present an overview of prevalence and proposed diagnostic criteria of problematic online gaming, internet addiction, and hyper sexuality. Expand on the relationships between these problematic behaviors and other issues like alcohol and substance use, impulsivity, and symptoms of mental illness. Present the current state of research on effective treatment strategies. Attend the session in-person or remotely. This session is hosted by the Concurrent Disorders Capacity Building Team.

Presented by: Michael Amlung, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at McMaster University Lana Vedelago, M.Sc. Student, Neuroscience Graduate Program Aims of the session: Present an overview of prevalence and proposed diagnostic criteria of problematic online gaming, internet addiction, and hyper sexuality. Expand on the relationships between these problematic behaviors and other issues like alcohol and substance use, impulsivity, and symptoms of mental illness. Present the current state of research on effective treatment strategies. Attend the session in-person or remotely. This session is hosted by the Concurrent Disorders Capacity Building Team.

Newcomers face many challenges while adapting to their new home and navigating systemic barriers. These post-migration stressors significantly impact their well-being. Refugees tend to be more vulnerable to poorer health outcomes upon arrival than immigrants as a result of several factors, including: needing to flee their homes due to persecution, war or violence; having lived in refugee camps; and being forced to separate from family. In addition, refugees face barriers to accessing needed healthcare services in Canada, such as immigration status, poverty, competing priorities, lack of information on services, and cultural and linguistic barriers. In this webinar, you will have an opportunity to explore: how immigrants and refugees can be negatively impacted, often inadvertently, when interacting with the healthcare system how healthcare providers can help mitigate these barriers to enhance health equity to newcomer populations. Presenter: Norma Hannat, Social Worker, New Beginnings Refugee Clinic, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)