Community Empowerment, Adult Education and Social Media Approaches to the Opioid Crisis in Vancouver

Authors

  • Denneisha T. Griffin University of British Columbia
  • Pierre Walter, PhD University of British Columbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56105/cjsae.v37i02.5753

Keywords:

éducation des adultes , réduction des risques , autonomisation communautaire , médias sociaux

Abstract

As adult educators in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, public health workers and those with lived experience of drug use create supportive environments and educational programs that foster harm reduction and community empowerment to address the Opioid Crisis. Using Community Empowerment theory as its conceptual framework and an Appreciative Inquiry with public health experts as its methodology, this research study contributes to understanding community-led adult education initiatives for marginalised adults, specifically in public health education. Through this exploration, we examine the working relationships and aspects of community culture, public education, social media and cell phone apps employed for education, communication, and life-saving tools to promote positive social change. Findings provide an overview of the educational work currently being done by public health adult educators, the community, and activist users of drugs and highlight the need to address social determinants of healthcare, including systemic oppression and access to internet technology for community empowerment.

Author Biographies

Denneisha T. Griffin, University of British Columbia

Denneisha T. Griffin

MA, Graduate

Department of Educational Studies 

University of British Columbia

Pierre Walter, PhD, University of British Columbia

Pierre Walter

Professor
Department of Educational Studies

University of British Columbia

Vancouver

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Published

2026-02-11

How to Cite

Griffin, D., & Walter , P. (2026). Community Empowerment, Adult Education and Social Media Approaches to the Opioid Crisis in Vancouver. Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education, 37(02). https://doi.org/10.56105/cjsae.v37i02.5753

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 02 (2025): Fall Issue

Section

Articles

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