CAUDS Corner Spring 2025
With spring comes a renewed sense of energy—and hope. We’re excited to share updates on our work, new partnerships, and upcoming events, all focused on creating pathways of hope for those impacted by Alcohol Use Disorder.
APPLAUD Action Series Is Back With 36 More Care Teams from Across BC!
We’re thrilled to announce that 36 primary care teams from across BC will be participating in the second cohort of the APPLAUD (Approaches and Pharmacotherapies for Patients Living with Alcohol Use Disorder) Action Series!
In partnership with Health Quality BC, CAUDS is proud to once again support teams in enhancing care for patients with Alcohol Use Disorder. Building on the success of last year’s program, this year’s cohort will benefit from:
Increased confidence in prescribing AUD medications
Simplified screening processes
Optimized panel management and EMR use
Increased AUD awareness across teams
From March to July 2025, participating teams will gain access to evidence-based resources, practical tools, and a community of peers and experts to help them confidently screen, diagnose, and treat AUD, improving patient care across the province.
Welcome Cathy to the CAUDS Team!
We are excited to welcome Cathy Nidoski as our new Director of Development! Joining the team in January, with over 30 years of leadership experience in the non-profit sector, Cathy has held key roles with organizations like Cameray Child & Family Services, AutismBC, and the MS Society of Canada. Her expertise in building strong, collaborative relationships and aligning donor passions with organizational goals will be invaluable as we continue our mission. Welcome Cathy!
Click HERE to meet the our entire team
Registry Open: the 2025 BC Substance Use Care Update
The BC Substance Use Care Update is an annual event, hosted by the BCCSU, designed to provide healthcare professionals with the latest guidance and emerging practices in substance use and addiction care. This year, the event will be held virtually, offering a convenient opportunity for professionals to access key updates on a variety of important topics.
The event is primarily for healthcare professionals but is also open to individuals with lived and living experience with substance use, family members, and other stakeholders.
For more details and to register, visit the event website.
Published Findings: Princeton AUD Project in the Canadian Journal of Public Health
We’re thrilled to share that an article on the Princeton Community Engagement project is being published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health! This evaluation highlights the project’s impact on social marketing and health outcomes, offering valuable insights for future initiatives.
A huge thank you to Dr. Tom Barker, Heather Allen, Karen Fulton, and the incredible action team in Princeton, led by Ed Staples and Nienke Klaver, for their dedication and hard work in making this project a success.
AUD Workshop & Community Discussion: Nanaimo - Wednesday April 2nd
Join the Nanaimo Foundation and CAUDS for a free in-person workshop on April 2, 2025, at the Coast Bastion Hotel. This event will explore AUD as a treatable health condition, address drinking culture, and foster community-led solutions. Hear from experts, connect with peers, and gain valuable insights. Lunch provided.
April 2, 2025 | 9 AM – 2 PM
Coast Bastion Hotel
Reserve your spot HERE
Spotlight on Community: Campbell River
In February, How to Fail at Relationships brought personal stories of recovery to a packed audience in Campbell River. Written and performed by Dawn King and Heather Gordon Murphy, the play sparked an intimate conversation about the emotional realities of AUD and recovery. Following the performance, a meaningful Q&A session allowed the audience to share their experiences and connect with local resources, fostering greater understanding and support for those affected by AUD.
‘Smashed’ Documentary Screenings and Community Q&A in Penticton and Oliver
We recently co-hosted screenings of the documentary Smashed in Penticton and Oliver. The film highlights the work of our founder Dr. Jeff Harries, as well as evidence-based, compassionate approaches to AUD care.
Following each screening, local health experts led a panel discussion, and the lively Q&A session helped connect attendees to resources in their community. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to these essential conversations.
Want to watch the documentary? Click HERE to view Smashed
“You Don’t Have to Quit” featured on CBC’s The Current
Maureen Palmer, author of You Don’t Have to Quit: 20 Science-Backed Strategies to Help Your Loved One Drink Less, was recently featured on CBC’s The Current. The interview discusses the importance of compassionate, evidence-based approaches to supporting loved ones who may be struggling with alcohol use.
Maureen provides valuable guidance on how to approach with care and understanding, emphasizing that support doesn’t always mean urging someone to quit immediately, or even entirely.
Listen to the full interview here
Spring Forward with a Gift of Change
As spring brings new growth and renewal, it's the perfect time to invest in positive change. Your donation to CAUDS helps support individuals and families impacted by Alcohol Use Disorder, providing resources, care, and hope for recovery. Together, we can nurture healthier communities and create lasting impact. Thank you for your generosity and support.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions for their generous support of our work. With their funding assistance, we are able to expand advocacy for alcohol use disorder to be treated as a health condition. This understanding allows AUD and its treatments to be approached with compassion and renewed hope for those affected.
You can read the full press release here.
Thank you!
Interested in learning more? Check out our Annual Report, Resources, Stories of Hope, Videos and much more!
