CAUDS Corner Spring 2026

Written By Carolyn Courtemanche

We’re pleased to share that the CAUDS 2025 Annual Report has just been released. It reflects a year of meaningful progress as our work expanded across care teams and communities in British Columbia, and beyond.

We’re proud of what our partners, peers, and supporters helped make possible this year — and grateful to everyone who continues to move this work forward.

Highlights from 2025 included:

  • CAUDS’ voice reached policy conversations, including testimony before the Senate of Canada, Kamloops City Hall, and engagement with the BC Minister of Health.

  • APPLAUD continued to expand, with another 30+ primary care teams across BC joining the second cohort.

  • Inspiring community initiatives, from arts and film events to public discussions and educational events across BC.

  • New employer collaborations, highlighting the workplace as a place for awareness, prevention, and support.

  • Organizational milestones, including achieving national charity status and hiring our first Director of Development.

Read our full 2025 Annual Report here

🌟 Upcoming Community Events!

CAUDS is partnering with community partners on the upcoming free public events this Spring:

  • Kamloops – March 19 | Thompson Rivers University
    Focused on people training and working in the trades, this year’s Aaron Manson “Be Brave” Memorial Award Event will examine wellbeing and the challenges posed by mental health, addiction, and the toxic drug supply. 

  • Nanaimo – March 25 | Vancouver Island University
    Join our Nanaimo partners for Rethinking Drinking, a community screening of the documentary Smashed: Breaking the Cycle of Alcohol Use Disorder, followed by a panel discussion with local experts and community voices.

  • Kamloops – April 25 | Downtown Kamloops Library
    Author Maureen Palmer (You Don’t Have to Quit) will share science-based strategies for helping loved ones reduce their drinking. A physician will be present to answer questions, and Mocktail Mixery will provide non-alcoholic beverage samples. Register here.

CDM developer, Dave Fracchia (left), meets with CAUDS Development Director, Cathy Nidoski (left) at t he Industry Innovation Project Testing Day.

A New Youth-Focused App in Development

CAUDS is collaborating with students from the Centre for Digital Media Master of Digital Media program to develop a mobile app designed to help young Canadians better understand and manage their relationship with alcohol.

This week, the prototype was showcased at the program’s Industry Innovation Project Testing Day in Vancouver, where participants - including our Development Director, Cathy -provided feedback to help refine the user experience.

We’re excited by the creativity and thoughtful design the students have brought to the project and look forward to sharing the app once it’s launched later this spring.

Guests were offered a wide selection of both alcohol and non-alcohol beverages at the Dine About Mid Island Launch Party, held Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at Greenview Taphouse in Nanoose Bay, BC.

Collaborating with the Hospitality Industry on Rethinking Drinking

As part of our partnership with the Nanaimo Foundation, Rethinking Drinking became an official sponsor of Dine About Mid Island — a regional culinary event where restaurants create special menus to celebrate local dining and attract visitors during the winter season.

The idea was to bring a different perspective to Dry January and Dry February. Rather than focusing only on what people remove, the collaboration highlighted what can be added: more non-alcoholic options, greater choice, and new ways to enjoy dining out while supporting local restaurants and small businesses.

The initiative was embraced by customers and chefs alike. You can hear more about the partnership in a conversation on ACT3.

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APPLAUD Cohort #3 Underway

We’re excited to share that the third cohort of APPLAUDlaunched in February. This round brings together another 30 care teams, including new participants from Manitoba, the First Nations Health Authority, and a team of Occupational Health & Safety nurses. We look forward to working with this growing group of clinicians as they strengthen evidence-based care for alcohol use disorder in their communities.

Learn more about our APPLAUD Action Series here.

Stay Connected!

CAUDS regularly shares updates, resources, and insights on Facebook and LinkedIn. Along with news about our own work, we highlight relevant research, initiatives, and ideas from others working to improve alcohol health and care.

Follow along to stay informed and keep up with upcoming events, partnerships, and new projects as they unfold.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions for their generous support of our work. With their funding assistance, we are able to expand advocacy for alcohol use disorder to be treated as a health condition. This understanding allows AUD and its treatments to be approached with compassion and renewed hope for those affected.

Thank you!

Interested in learning more? Check out our Annual Report, Resources, Stories of Hope, Videos and much more!

Carolyn Courtemanche
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CAUDS Corner Fall 2025