OCAD University is leading a new multi-institutional initiative aimed at increasing awareness, education and access to supports related to mental health and substance use for students across three Toronto post-secondary institutions.
Funded through a $591,675 grant from Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, the two-year initiative brings together post-secondary institutions and community health partners to respond to the complexities of substance use and mental health challenges.
“Student wellness is essential to student success,” said Hon. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through this investment, our government is ensuring that OCAD University can work closely alongside other post-secondary institutions and community wellness partners to connect more students to the mental health support they need, building stronger, healthier campus communities across Toronto.”
Led by Janet Stevenson, director of OCAD U Student Wellness Centre, the initiative is being developed in partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University, George Brown Polytechnic, The Neighbourhood Group Community Services and Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre. Together, the partners support a combined population of more than 84,000 students.
“The collaborative structure of the initiative is central to its impact, bringing together post-secondary institutions, community partners and peer-led engagement,” said Stevenson. “By embedding harm reduction into campus environments, we can reduce stigma, increase awareness and better support students in making informed decisions about their well-being.”
Launching in the fall of 2026, and running through to March 2028, the project begins with planning and development in the summer of 2026.
Designed through a trauma-informed and equity-based lens, the initiative responds to the complexities of substance use and mental health challenges, including stigma and overdose risk.
“The initiative aims to create more open, informed and non-judgmental conversations about substance use, while building connections and improving access to supports and resources,” explains OCAD U’s Dean of Students Jennifer Robinson.
The project will unfold in three phases.
The first phase will focus on capacity building through campus-wide education and training on substance use, harm reduction and overdose response. Programming will be co-designed with students and community partners and delivered through digital modules, in-person workshops and drop-in opportunities.
The second phase will introduce community-embedded supports through low-barrier harm reduction pop-ups held during key periods in the academic year, such as orientation, midterms and exams, when students may experience increased stress, social activity and changing routines. Staffed by peer navigators and community partners, the pop-ups will offer information, facilitate conversations and connect students to supports and services.
The third phase will centre on knowledge sharing through a student-led podcast featuring lived experience perspectives, community expertise and practical education related to mental health and substance use. Episodes will be shared across institutional platforms and archived as an ongoing resource.
