Written by: Sarah Kasleder
One of SHRF’s newest 2024 Excellence Award for his recent 2024-25 Establishment Grant recipients, Dr. Andrew Eaton, is leading research in public health. His research project, "Community-engaged pop-up prevention: Establishing a rapid assessment and response system to map needle prevalence and pilot HIV and syphilis prevention interventions in Regina, Saskatchewan," aims to significantly impact the health and well-being of vulnerable communities in the province.
Eaton’s journey into public health research began early in his career, working with the AIDS Committee of Toronto. "My passion for harm reduction and sexual health started early on," Eaton shared. "Working with community-based organizations was formative for me—it’s where I realized the importance of engaging directly with those affected and the power of community-driven approaches to public health." This foundation has deeply influenced his work in Saskatchewan, where he confronts some of the highest rates of HIV and syphilis in the country.
Eaton’s project centers on a rapid response system that uses real-time data from a web-based tool to allow the community to report discarded needles. This data helps his team identify hotspots for drug use, where they set up pop-up sites offering HIV and syphilis testing, prevention education, and connections to necessary care.
"I’ve always believed that everyone deserves clear, concrete information and access to healthcare, regardless of their circumstances," says Eaton, reflecting on the core values that drive his research to directly respond to this crisis, focusing on those who often fall through the cracks of traditional healthcare systems.
Community-Driven Research for a Community-Focused Solution
Andrew’s research is rooted in community engagement. Collaborating with AIDS Program South Saskatchewan (APSS) and other local non-profits, Eaton’s team works closely with individuals who have lived experiences of HIV, syphilis, substance use, and homelessness. "The people we’re trying to help are guiding this research every step of the way," Eaton shares. Building trust within the community is at the heart of this approach. "Our team includes people with lived experiences, which makes all the difference in connecting with those we aim to serve. It’s not just about offering services—it’s about showing people that we’re here for them, and they can trust us."
This community-based, transdisciplinary approach ensures that the interventions developed are scientifically sound, practically effective, and relevant to those most affected.
Leveraging Technology for Targeted Health Interventions
To effectively address the community's needs, Eaton’s project uses a community needle reporting application, www.reportneedles.ca, that gathers live, web-based data on needle prevalence in public spaces across Regina. This tool allows residents to report discarded needles, which are then geotagged and mapped. "We're not just working for the community; we're working with them," Eaton emphasized. By accurately mapping where needles are most frequently discarded, Eaton’s team can identify specific locations where drug use—and consequently the risk of HIV and syphilis transmission—is most common.
"Drug use doesn’t happen uniformly across a city," Eaton explains, "it tends to cluster in certain areas, and those areas can change over time. By using real-time data, we can ensure that our interventions are targeted precisely where they’re needed most, reaching the people who are at the highest risk."
Flexible and Adaptive Responses to Emerging Needs
The data's real-time aspect is crucial for the project’s success. It allows Eaton's team to respond quickly to emerging trends, setting up pop-up HIV and syphilis testing and education interventions in new areas as soon as they become high-risk zones. This approach not only maximizes the effectiveness of their interventions but also ensures that they are flexible and responsive to the shifting landscape of drug use in Regina.
"What truly distinguishes this project is its flexibility and adaptability," Eaton explains. "As we gather data and engage with the community, we can make adjustments and introduce new interventions that better meet people’s needs. This flexibility is crucial in addressing such a complex and dynamic issue."
Providing Effective Health Interventions
The pop-up intervention sites set up by Eaton’s team offer more than just point-of-care testing for HIV and syphilis. They also provide essential education on prevention strategies like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
"PrEP is a medication that people can take before they’re exposed to HIV to prevent infection," Eaton explains. "On the other hand, PEP is taken after potential exposure to prevent the virus from taking hold in the body. By providing education on these medications and testing, we’re giving people the tools they need to protect themselves and stay healthy."
"The goal is to link people to care quickly and efficiently," Eaton explained. "We hope that by intervening in real-time and in the right locations, we can identify cases of HIV and syphilis that might have otherwise gone undetected."
Challenges and Impact
Despite the project’s success and innovation, it hasn't been without challenges. The harsh Saskatchewan winters require indoor pop-up locations, and working with non-profits in a province with limited support for independent charitable organizations presents ongoing hurdles. We’ve had to adapt and be creative in how we deliver our services, especially during the winter months," Eaton shared. "But the dedication of our team and community partners keeps us moving forward." Eaton also expressed his gratitude, saying, "I’m incredibly thankful to SHRF for their continued support, which has been instrumental in making these interventions possible."
However, the project’s impact is already being felt. Eaton’s previous work funded by 2022-23 SHRF’s Impact Grant saw a reduction in opioid overdoses in Regina, thanks in part to pop-up naloxone training sessions. The success of these interventions highlights the importance of community-driven programs led by people with firsthand experience in tackling public health challenges.
Looking Forward
Eaton’s research is not just about immediate impact; it’s about sustainability. He hopes the strategies developed through this project will become a model for similar initiatives across Canada. By strengthening local communities and organizations and focusing on low-cost, easily expandable solutions, Eaton is laying the groundwork for long-term change.
As Eaton prepares to receive the 2024 Excellence Award for his recent Establishment Grant, he remains focused on the future. "This is just the beginning," he said. We’re creating a blueprint for responding to public health crises in vulnerable communities in Saskatchewan and across Canada."
Andrew Eaton’s work exemplifies the innovative, community-centred research SHRF is proud to support. His dedication to making a real difference in the lives of those most affected by HIV, syphilis, and substance use is a testament to the power of combining research with compassion.