End the Stigma BC

We lead programs to raise awareness of issues affecting Vancouver's Downtown Eastside

Our Mission

Too often, stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders leaves individuals with such conditions marginalized within the healthcare system. This has fatal consequences; each day, 6 people die from overdose in British Columbia, the highest fatality rate in the country. At End the Stigma BC, we believe more needs to be done to save the lives of our community members. Our mission is to destigmatize discussion about substance use and mental health in order to promote understanding, compassion and safety for impacted populations, so that such individuals can receive the level of care they deserve.

What we Do

We Carry out our mission through

Knowledge Translation

Publish articles written in language geared towards a general audience explaining addiction and the brain, as well as “translates” harm reduction and safe supply research publications.

Human Connection 

Work with advocacy groups and people with lived experiences to share the stories of those whose lives have been impacted by substance use, in order for viewers to connect with them on a human-to-human level.

Resource provision

Create an easy-to-access, cumulative list of online & community resources for various needs (substance use treatment services, substance use & mental health education, support services for impacted individuals/their families & friends)