820+
Unprevented Drug Poisoning (Overdose) Deaths in Waterloo Region Since 2018
*Preliminary data: Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, August 2024*
Our Vision
Eliminating drug-related risks and harms by advancing evidence-informed drug policies to improve individual and community health and safety in Waterloo Region.
Our Mission
To facilitate systemic change through community collaboration grounded in evidence, equity, and the expertise of people most affected.
Meet the Team
The Waterloo Region Drug Action Team (WR DAT) was started in 2020 out of the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council. The team consists of Waterloo region residents with interest, experience, and expertise in resolving a wide range of drug-related issues. Our membership includes direct service staff in shelter and outreach environments, drug policy professionals, academics from all 3 area post-secondary institutions, and persons directly affected by drug-related issues, among others. The WR DAT currently receives no funding, and is entirely volunteer-driven.
.jpg)
Harm Reduction Outreach Worker
Jesse Burt
Currently working directly with community members who use drugs and are experiencing homelessness in various settings including shelters, drop-ins and encampments.
Outreach Worker
Sara Escobar
Over 25 years of experience specializing in street outreach.
Co-founder of Peregrine Outreach Waterloo, trusted in providing invaluable insight and guidance to fellow outreach partners and multiple levels of local government officials.
.jpg)
Harm Reduction Educator
Simone Taylor
10+ years experience in community collective care. Currently supporting front line workers in mobile outreach programs.
Drug Strategies Specialist
Michael Parkinson
Experience working with the nationally-renowned Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council until it was defunded in 2022. Michael continues to advance issues of upstream prevention, community safety initiatives, and a plethora of life-saving drug strategies, programs, laws and policies, at national, provincial, and municipal levels.
Advisors
Lawyer
Ashley Schuitema, JD
Lawyer and Executive Director at Waterloo Region Community Legal Services. Ashley’s practice includes employment law, human rights and social assistance. Ashley is a long standing advocate for survivors of sexual harassment, precarious workers and people experiencing poverty in our community.
Medical Advisor
Dr. Sonika Kainth
Experience as a family physician who works to address the systemic issues that negatively impact a patient's health, and our healthcare system. Sonika looks at the social determinants of health and works with many marginalized populations. One of her biggest areas of focus is on the opioid crisis.
Nurse Practitioner
Carolyn Shafer
Over the past three years, Carolyn has worked as a prescriber within the Kitchener-Waterloo region's safer opioid supply program, offering prescribed alternatives. Carolyn strives to be an advocate for people who use drugs and those experiencing homelessness by providing healthcare in an outreach and accessible model.
Community Advocate
Irene O'Toole
Experience working with substance use in the shelter system and community outreach, both in Canada and in the UK. Supported the work of the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council in the capacity of chair and member for over twenty years.
Assistant Professor
Bill O’Leary, PhD
Assistant Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, Faculty of Social Work. Bill’s research is inclusive of harm reduction/substance use; equitable healthcare practice/services; and identity construction.
Volunteer
Insert your name
Come volunteer with us! The Drug Action Team is looking for people who are passionate about ending the poisoning crisis and who can contribute their unique skills.