About BC Addiction Information Centre - Kaiser Foundation
Mental health and addictions are complex issues, affecting all levels of society. The conservative estimated total annual expenditure on mental health and addictions exceeds $70 billion in Canada alone. Combined, they constitute the largest single cause of morbidity for ages 14 to 45.
To date, governments fund the vast majority of initiatives addressing mental health and addictions. Governments alone cannot solve these problems. The Private Sector needs to be actively aware of and involved in helping find solutions to these issues. Community-based programs do exemplary work but need more funding and too rarely have the opportunity to work with and learn from each other.
** The Kaiser Mission **
The Foundation’s mission lies in the dissemination and application of research, innovation and information of “best practices” with those individuals and groups working in the field, to improve the lives of those living with addictions and mental illness.
History Of BC Addiction Information Centre - Kaiser Foundation
For more than two decades, the Kaiser Foundation has been dedicated to helping individuals and communities live healthier and more productive lives by raising awareness and knowledge about addictions and mental health issues.
Founded in 1985, the Kaiser Foundation was one of the first organizations in Canada to bring a national perspective and status to this dialogue. It has been recognized nationally and internationally for delivering innovative and practical initiatives, addressing addiction and mental health as public health issues.
The Foundation's initial focus was on addiction issues faced by youth and their families. Over time, the organization broadened, developing initiatives and programs aimed at building community capacity and recognizing the success of those active in the field. As it became apparent that the issues of addictions and mental health were intertwined, the Foundation's mandate was expanded to embrace both concerns.
In 1988, the Foundation sponsored "Potential 88," a symposium on prevention which brought together those in the field for the first time. A result of this meeting was the development by the Foundation of “Step By Step: A Prevention Handbook on Alcohol and Other Drug Use,” which became mandated as a curriculum resource for public schools in B.C. for grades K through 12.
In 1993, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse awarded to the Foundation the British Columbia Medallion of Distinction for achievement in substance abuse prevention.
The consultation process leading to the report, made apparent the need for knowledge transfer to support effective policy and practice and to shape public attitudes. The Kaiser Foundation responded by developing an addictions information centre for British Columbia. Kaiser became an important supporter and catalyst in creating the Centre for Addictions Research of B.C. at the University of Victoria. Mr. Kaiser serves on the Centre’s Advisory Board.
In 2006, the Kaiser Foundation launched the National Awards for Excellence Program in mental health and addictions initiatives. The National Awards for Excellence were developed to provide recognition for the excellent work being done at the community level by the many Canadian organizations, communities and individuals in the fields of mental health and addictions.
Some of the Foundation’s other projects have included:
The Directory of Addiction Services, developed in 1987 as the first of its kind in Canada. The Directory provided essential information for people in distress who did not know where to turn for help. It has been widely emulated across the country.
Step By Step: A Prevention Handbook on Alcohol and Other Drug Use, first produced in 1988 to help administrators, teachers, parents, children and youth. It was mandated as a K-12 curriculum resource in British Columbia schools.
Weaving Threads Together, a 2001 report for the British Columbia Government on the future of addiction services in the Province developed by a Foundation-led Task Group.
Sponsoring and collaborating in numerous symposiums on addictions and mental health involving participants from across the Canada and the United States.
Other Kaiser Foundation involvements include:
Addictions Research: Founding partner and continuing supporter of the Centre for Addictions Research of BC (CARBC). The Kaiser Foundation’s body of substance use research is now housed at this centre.
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) is a National Partner of the Foundation and Mr. Kaiser is a director of the CCSA.
University of British Columbia Institute of Mental Health: Mr. Kaiser is a member of the Executive Advisory Board.
Round Table on Mental Health & Addictions: Mr. Kaiser is a former member of this organization and is also the Co-Chair of the Roundtable's Canada/US Forum on Mental Health and Productivity, founded by Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael Wilson. Mr. Wilson sits on the Foundation's National Advisory Board.
