Evidence-Based Drug Information Project

The main goal for the project is to provide evidence-based information to drug users in a readable format, offering scientific facts to help them understand the current landscape of adulterants and how they can implement harm reduction and health promotion to their lives. This will involve several different steps for the learners, including: - Researching and compiling scientific facts and evidence-based information on adulterants and their effects. - Creating a readable format for the public to understand the information. - Developing strategies for implementing harm reduction and health promotion based on the gathered information. - Collaborating with experts and frontline workers to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information.

AI Application for Media Accountability in Drug User Representation

The J Healthcare Initiative is a non-profit organization that does projects to tackle the overdose crisis. In this project we address the pervasive issue of hate rhetoric, stigmatizing language, and misinformation in media coverage related to drug users and harm reduction through machine learning/AI. This project seeks to create a comprehensive analysis of current media practices and develop guidelines for responsible reporting. The goal is to ensure that media outlets are held accountable for their portrayal of drug users, promoting a more accurate and compassionate narrative. By doing so, the project will contribute to reducing stigma and fostering a more informed public discourse. Objective: Develop a basic tool to analyze sentiment and language use in media articles about drug use and harm reduction. Suggested timeline Python Script for Media Analysis (25 hours) Develop a script that: Scrapes articles from 2-3 selected news websites Performs basic sentiment analysis Identifies key terms related to drug use and harm reduction Flags potentially stigmatizing language Small Dataset of Analyzed Articles (10 hours) Collect and analyze 50-100 recent articles Store results in a structured format (e.g., CSV or JSON) Summary Report (15 hours) Brief overview of the project and methodology Key findings from the analysis 2-3 data visualizations (e.g., sentiment distribution, word clouds) Short list of common stigmatizing terms found Basic Web Interface (10 hours) Simple Flask or Streamlit app that: Allows users to input an article URL or text Runs the analysis script on the input Displays basic results (sentiment score, flagged terms) Key objectives include: - Analyzing existing media content for instances of hate rhetoric and misinformation. - Identifying patterns and common issues in media representation of drug users. - Developing a set of guidelines for responsible and accurate reporting. - Proposing strategies for media accountability and public awareness.

Drug-Policy Implication Study

We are planning to implement a policy, however before we do we would like to understand the expected implications of it within this population. This way, we will be able to mitigate any risks that the policy may pose by making adjustments before it is implemented. This will involve several different steps for the students, including: Identifying similar policies that have been implemented in other populations. Comparing our policy to other policies and researching the implications that they have had. Conducting interviews with people in the populations affected by these similar policies. Identifying risks and effects that are created by our policy. Creating recommendations on how we could change or improve our policy to make it as effective as possible.

Media Relations Kit for The J Healthcare Initiative

The J Healthcare Initiative is seeking to expand its reach and promote its cause to various media outlets across Canada and the United States. The goal of this project is to create a comprehensive media relations kit that will effectively communicate the organization's mission, values, and key messages to journalists, bloggers, and other media professionals. This kit will serve as a vital tool in establishing and maintaining relationships with media outlets, ultimately increasing public awareness and support for The J Healthcare Initiative's mission and impacts The project will involve researching best practices in media relations, crafting compelling content, and designing visually appealing materials. Key tasks include: - Researching media relations best practices and successful case studies. - Developing a clear and concise organizational overview. - Crafting press releases, media advisories, and fact sheets. - Designing a visually appealing media kit layout. - Compiling a list of targeted media contacts in Canada and the United States.