2017-2024 | Lived Experience Advisory Panel
(PDS Panel)

The panel presented a platform where 12 people with diverse lived experiences of substance use (PWLE) were paid to leverage their experiences to help shape local programs, policies, and initiatives. The panel offered organizations an invaluable opportunity to receive feedback on their activities and make necessary adaptations to more effectively serve to the needs of individuals who have navigated experiences with substance use.

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Local organizations presented their specific policies, programs, or initiatives to the panel, seeking valuable feedback from the panelists on how to enhance their effectiveness in meeting the needs of people who use drugs (PWUD). In particular, the group productively and respectfully discussed the strengths, room for improvement and the specific and/or structural ways it could change to better services across our community.​  Organizations were expected to report to the panel on how what they learned in the consultation impacted their work.​