Event Details

This webinar will explore the peer-to-peer model developed and implemented in partnership between the Region of Waterloo Public Health, Waterloo Region District School Board and Waterloo Catholic District School Board to address concerns around youth cannabis use and vaping. This session will explore how a public health unit and local school boards worked together to build and maintain a valuable relationship to address youth substance use and promotion of wellbeing of youth in their community. It will also highlight the steps in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a school-based peer-to-peer model.

Intended audience: Public health practitioners, health care professionals, those interested in learning more about commercial tobacco and nicotine cessation services and programs for youth.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe partnerships between Region of Waterloo Public Health and local school boards to address youth cannabis and vaping use.
• Recognize the importance of community relationships in promoting the wellbeing of youth and students.
• Explain the steps to develop, implement and evaluate a school-based peer-to-peer-model for addressing youth substance use.
• Reflect on opportunities and strategies for building partnerships within their own communities.

Heather Berry is the Safe and Healthy Schools Consultant at the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB ). She has been in this role for five years and previously was a secondary classroom teacher and department head in the WRDSB for over 25 years. This role supports learning in the classroom by collaborating with the Special Education, Mental Health, Learning Support Services, Indigenous, Equity, and Human Rights Department (IEHR), Community Partners and Leadership to promote safe, healthy and accepting schools in support of student wellbeing, learning and achievement.

Ruth Cordukes has been a Public Health Nurse at Region of Waterloo Public Health for over 30 years. Ruth has led the implementation of the Youth Champions Initiative in partnership with Waterloo Region school boards. Youth health has been a key focus throughout her career. This includes five years supporting a secondary school and 20 years supporting pregnant and parenting youth.

Tonja Clark is an Ontario Certified Teacher with over 20 years of experience educating and mentoring youth. Her teaching journey has taken her from Scotland to Toronto, Ottawa, and now Kitchener, where she continues to be inspired by the teenagers she works with. As a mother to three adult children, she understands the challenges today’s teens face—particularly around substance use and abuse. She is proud to be part of a team working to create positive change within their community.

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.