This project aims to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for Réseau ACCESS Network, a healthcare and community service organization. The goal is to address the needs of priority populations such as People With Lived and Living Experience (PWLLE), People Who Use Drugs (PWUD), Women, Indigenous, African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB), and 2S-LGBTQIA+ communities. The strategic plan will incorporate innovative strategies like community-driven health initiatives, culturally competent care, enhanced harm reduction services, and technology-driven approaches. Additionally, the project will consider the challenges posed by short-term and Ministry of Health (MOH)-based funding and the complexities of working within multiple networks and advocating across sectors. The project will involve research, analysis, activities, and presentations.

1. Introduction to Réseau ACCESS Network

• Overview of the Organization: Research the history, mission, and vision of Réseau ACCESS Network.

2. Strategic Planning Framework

• Current Strategic Priorities: Analyze the existing strategic priorities: Engagement, Knowledge Mobilization, and Organizational Wellness.

3. Innovative Strategies for Priority Populations

• Community-Driven Health Initiatives: Propose initiatives like community gardens and workshops to promote food security and healthy eating.
• Culturally Competent Care: Suggest integrating Indigenous health equity initiatives and providing cultural competence training.
• Enhanced Harm Reduction Services: Recommend expanding peer-led harm reduction programs and deploying mobile health units.
• Technology and Data-Driven Approaches: Utilize digital health platforms and implement robust data collection systems.
• Advocacy and Policy Influence: Engage in policy advocacy and collaborate with stakeholders.

4. Challenges in Strategic Plan Development

• Short-Term and MOH-Based Funding: Discuss the challenges of developing a strategic plan with short-term and MOH-based funding, including financial instability and dependency on government priorities.
• Multi-Network and Cross-Sector Advocacy: Explore the complexities of working within multiple networks and advocating across sectors, such as aligning diverse goals and managing stakeholder expectations.

5. Group Activity: Strategic Plan Development

• Task: Form groups (or work individually) to develop a strategic plan section that includes innovative strategies and addresses identified challenges.
• Presentation: Each group/individual presents their strategic plan section.

6. Conclusion and Reflection

• Recap: Summarize critical learnings from the assignment.
• Reflection: Write a brief reflection on how these strategies and considerations can be applied in future learnings to reduce stigma in healthcare and community services.

Assessment:

• Participation in activities and discussions.
• Submission of a strategic plan section with innovative strategies and solutions to challenges.
• Written reflection on the assignment's learnings and personal insights.

The preceptor will work with students, connect with resources, and assign meetings with teams that work with priority populations.

Regular (weekly) meetings will take place throughout placement.