Ep 16: The Benefits and Challenges of Addiction Services Accreditation with Dawna ProsperEp 16: The Benefits and Challenges of Addiction Services Accreditation with Dawna Prosper
Mino Bimaadiziwin
We're thrilled to have Dawna Prosper on the podcast.She is Executive Director of the Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Counseling Association and a proud member of the Eskasoni First Nation of Cape Breton. Since 1971 NACADA has run addiction prevention...
50:13•26 May 2023
Accreditation in Action: Dawna Prosper on Strengthening Indigenous Addiction Services
Episode Overview
- NADACA's commitment to providing culturally relevant addiction services
- The impact of accreditation on staff empowerment and service quality
- Challenges faced in crunching numbers for funding
- Data-driven governance and management
- The unique needs of First Nations communities
“we're going to do whatever we can to help them but we have to have individuals like myself and a few of my co-workers that have to crunch those numbers in order to to get the funding that we need to keep this going.”
When it comes to addiction services, how do you measure success? In this episode of 'Mino Bimaadiziwin', Carol Hopkins sits down with Dawna Prosper, Executive Director of the Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Association (NADACA) and a proud member of the Eskasoni First Nation. Since 1971, NADACA has been a pillar in First Nations communities across Atlantic Canada, providing addiction prevention and treatment programs.
For the past thirteen years, these services have been accredited, a milestone that brings both rewards and hurdles. Dawna shares candidly about the complexities of maintaining accreditation, from securing funding to ensuring competitive wages for staff. She also highlights the empowerment that comes with accreditation, both for the staff and the community. The conversation delves into how cultural practices are integral to treatment and why they are essential for effective addiction services.
Dawna and Carol explore the intricate balance of blending traditional knowledge with modern accreditation standards, offering a unique perspective on how Indigenous communities navigate these challenges. Whether you're involved in mental health services or simply curious about Indigenous approaches to wellness, this episode provides valuable insights into the real-world impact of accreditation.

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