Amanda Gannon on Youth Harm Reduction and Community Support

RESOLVing Violence

Trigger Warning: This episode contains content related to mental health, substance use, addictions, trauma, and experiences of harm, including homelessness and identity-based discrimination. Listener discretion is advised, as these topics can be triggering or distressing for some individuals.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Resolving Violence podcast, we welcome Amanda Gannon, a distinguished faculty member of Indigenous Health at the First Nations University of Canada. With an extensive background that spans sociology, psychology, addictions, crime law, and justice studies, Amanda provides a deep dive into her Master's research on youth-centered harm reduction in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Utilizing the innovative photo voice methodology, Amanda explores the nuanced and often underrepresented experiences of youth when it comes to harm and harm reduction practices. This episode sheds light on the complexities behind these terms and highlights the importance of a more inclusive and holistic approach to addressing youth harm.

Amanda's research identifies significant barriers such as the transitionary stage confusion between youth and adult services, miscommunication of available resources, and the stigma surrounding substance use and mental health. The discussion emphasizes the importance of basic needs as a foundation for harm reduction and shows how current systems often fall short by only addressing symptoms rather than root causes. Amanda argues that harm reduction isn't solely about substance use—it involves creating supportive environments that meet fundamental needs like food, shelter, safety, and love, which are crucial for the well-being of youth.

The episode concludes with actionable insights for service providers and community organizations. Amanda shares innovative solutions directly from the youth, such as bridging gaps in accessibility by bringing community organizations into schools for educational sessions. She also emphasizes the importance of listening to youth to better tailor services that meet their real needs. Join us as Amanda Gannon unpacks her research findings and advocates for a more compassionate, inclusive, and effective approach to resolving violence among youth. For more information on Amanda and her impactful work, or to learn more about Resolve Saskatchewan, check the show notes. Don't forget to share this valuable episode with colleagues and on social media to collectively work towards resolving violence.

About Our Guest:
Amanda Gannon is a dedicated academic and practitioner within the realm of Indigenous health, currently serving as a faculty member at the First Nations University of Canada. With a robust educational background obtained from the University of Saskatchewan, Amanda's expertise spans sociology, psychology, addictions, crime law, and justice studies, culminating in a Master of Science in Community and Population Health Sciences. Her professional journey includes impactful roles such as a crisis worker in Saskatoon, where she deepened her understanding of community collaboration and non-governmental organizational dynamics. Passionate about youth advocacy, Amanda's research interests focus on child and youth health, harm reduction, and holistic wellness, making her a pivotal figure in the realm of community health and youth support services.

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/