Grant: Catalyst Grant: Prevention and Treatment of Illicit Substance Use

The HerWay Home program (HWHP) is a first-stage intervention that emerged in the Capital Regional District of Victoria, BC, in 2010 to deliver better care to substance using pregnant and early parenting women. It is estimated that 10 percent of the 2900 women giving birth every year at Victoria General Hospital receive no pre-natal care, used illicit drugs and/or abused alcohol during their pregnancy and have serious mental health issues. A recent health intervention grant by CIHR has provided funds for the team to develop a workable human resources framework, including identification of barriers to and facilitators of teamwork among a mix of providers. It is of fundamental importance to also have input from HWHP clients as early as possible (ideally at the program planning and pre-implementation stage) to ensure that the underlying philosophies and approaches upon which the program is built are relevant to their lives and that of their families. As well, it is salient that the services provided are effective in reducing harmful drug use and providing the crucial supports to promote clients' health and that of their children. Support from this catalyst grant will allow for the development of a peer-based arm of the HWHP research team and for the engagement of women in recovery and graduate students in the collection of quantitative and qualitative data from HWHP clients during its first year of operation.