News Release
Oct. 1, 2025
[KINGSTON] – Providence Care, in partnership with CAPSA, brought together Kingston’s first responders, emergency care providers, and community partners today for the opening of a ground-breaking two-day symposium on substance use health.
The First Responder and Immediate Care Provider Symposium, held Oct. 1 and 2 at Southeast Public Health, is the first event of its kind in Kingston. The gathering includes police officers, paramedics, emergency department staff, harm reduction workers, psychiatrists, withdrawal management services, and community agencies — all exploring how stigma can be dismantled and collaboration strengthened across sectors.
“Day one of this event has shown the power of what happens when first responders, health care providers, and community partners come together with a shared purpose. The conversations we’ve had today are breaking down barriers, reducing stigma, and laying the groundwork for a more coordinated and compassionate approach to substance use health in Kingston,” says Providence Care Regional Director, Community Specialty Mental Health Programs, Gord Unsworth.
For people living with substance use health concerns, this work means real change in how care is experienced in Kingston — from the moment someone interacts with police or paramedics to the support they receive in hospitals and community services. By reducing stigma and strengthening connections across sectors, the community is working toward a system where people are met with dignity, compassion, and timely access to the help they need.
“Substance use health is part of this community’s health. It is health, and so the response must be collaborative and community-based to be effective,” says Education and Partnership Lead at CAPSA Canada, Shawn Fisk.
“What we’ve seen today is a real commitment from Kingston’s first responders and care providers to shift the culture, to listen, and to work side by side with people who have lived and living experience. That’s how change starts — and that’s what makes this symposium so important,” adds Fisk.
The event is supported by a wide range of local and regional partners, including Frontenac Paramedics, Kingston Police, AMHS-KFLA, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Home Base Housing, Kingston Community Health Centres, Youth Diversion, Ontario Health, The Limestone District School Board, Queen’s University, and Southeast Public Health.
This symposium marks the beginning of stronger connection and integration across organizations, with collaborative work and ongoing engagement planned to continue driving meaningful change in substance use health care. Planning is already underway for the second annual event, scheduled for 2026.
Jonna Semple-Kloke
Communications Officer, Providence Care
skloke@providencecare.ca
Phone: 613-544-4900 ext. 53372
About Providence Care:
Providence Care is southeastern Ontario’s leading provider of specialized care in aging, mental health, palliative care and rehabilitation. Continuing the legacy of our Founders, the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, Providence Care consists of more than 20 community program, Providence Manor long-term care home, Providence Care Hospice, Providence Transitional Care Centre and Providence Care Hospital.
Fully affiliated with Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College, Providence Care is a centre for health care, education and research, and a member of the Council of the Academic Hospitals of Ontario. We are more than healthcare; we promote independence, enhance quality of life and redefine traditional healthcare through partnerships, innovation and research.
About CAPSA:
CAPSA is a national organization that dismantles systemic stigma and promotes health across a spectrum of substance use—from non-use to substance use disorder. Our team of health professionals, educators, and researchers combines technical expertise with lived and living experiences to deliver relevant and evidence-based health programs.
