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This is a student made and maintained website. Last updated 02/12/2025
Pictured from left to right: Cianthelle Amistad, Stephanie Bagri, Sarah Crago
Hello! Welcome to HealthU VIU-Harm Reduction!
Hello! Welcome to HealthU VIU-Harm Reduction!
We are the first group of now fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at Vancouver Island University (VIU) to collaborate with the VIU Harm Reduction Alliance, promoting harm reduction awareness on the Nanaimo campus as part of our community placement courses (NURS 314 & NURS 404). Our goal is to reduce stigma, foster open conversations, and create a more supportive environment for students at VIU and the broader community.
Through initiatives such as information tables, interactive discussions, creative events like craft nights, and the development of this website, we strive to make harm reduction education accessible and engaging. By building connections and sharing knowledge, we hope to encourage compassionate and informed approaches to substance use and well-being.
Join us in creating a healthier, more inclusive campus!
Our Faculty
Our Faculty
Instructor - Maureen O'Connor - Maureen started teaching in VIU's BSN program in August 2002, and has been teaching and working as a nurse for 35 years. She started as a medical-surgical nurse, then a rehabilitation nurse, then moved into teaching students at the University of New Brunswick, her Alma Mater. She has been teaching students in a variety of settings – in the classroom, in acute care practice settings, and in community practice placements. She has filled the roles of BSN Program Chair and Interim Associate Dean of Health Sciences and Human Services. Central to Maureen’s philosophy of living, nursing, and teaching is the importance of taking action to relieve the suffering of others.
https://hshs.viu.ca/bachelor-science-nursing/faculty-and-staff/maureen-oconnor
Field Guide - Kayla Fowler - Kayla Fowler is the Manager of the Health & Wellness Centre and Overdose Prevention Program Coordinator at Vancouver Island University. She leads medical and counselling services while coordinating campus-wide overdose prevention initiatives such as naloxone training and awareness. With a background in kinesiology and experience in post-secondary, Indigenous, and community health, Kayla focuses on improving access to care and supporting student well-being.
Cianthelle Amistad
Cianthelle Amistad
My name is Cianthelle Amistad, a fourth-year BSN student at VIU. Before entering this program, my understanding of harm reduction was quite limited. However, through this placement and collaborating with the VIU HRA, I have found myself relearning what I was previously taught about substance use and harm reduction. Moving forward, I am excited to deepen my knowledge alongside the VIU HRA, and contribute to meaningful change.
A little about me: I grew up on the mainland but am currently calling Nanaimo home during my studies. Though it's quite different from back home, one of my favourite things about living here is the nature the city has to offer. When I can, I enjoy hiking, nature walks with my dog, and going on random adventures with my friends and family!
Sarah Crago
Sarah Crago
Hi! My name is Sarah Crago, and I’m a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Vancouver Island University. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with the VIU Harm Reduction Alliance (HRA) this semester in my Nursing 404 class. I bring a personal connection to this field through my experiences with family and friends who have struggles with substance use, which has shaped my belief in the importance of harm reduction as a compassionate and practical approach to tackling the overdose crisis. I’m deeply passionate about this work and eager to learn more about my campus community as I continue to grow in my nursing practice.
A bit about me personally: I moved to Vancouver Island with my family in 2012, and I’ve loved exploring all the natural beauty it has to offer. I enjoy spending time by the ocean, hiking, and finding ways to move my body that bring me joy and peace. I also have a cat named Cho (short for Chojuro), who adds so much light to my life. I am always working on mindfulness and overall health, and I believe that fostering personal wellness is essential to being the best version of myself, both personally and professionally. One of the ways I do this is by participating in Goju-Ryu Karate, in which I have obtained a black-belt (see #114); I earned this at my home dojo Shima Karate School Nanaimo.
Stephanie Bagri
Stephanie Bagri
My name is Stephanie Bagri, I am also in my fourth year of the BSN program here at VIU. Although my background with harm reduction is limited, I am really looking forward to expand my knowledge of it and work in conjunction with the VIU Harm Reduction Alliance. I have been introduced to the idea of harm reduction through nursing classes and a clinical placement in mental health; these experiences have lead me to believe that harm reduction is a crucial concept to implement in society, especially in health care institutions, as it is one that can save lives.
Just some background information about me: I grew up on the mainland and have been residing here in Nanaimo for school since 2022. The nature here is so beautiful; in my spare time I love hiking and exploring the island. I also enjoy reading and drawing. I do not have any pets but I hope to have a dog one day in the future.
VIU Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
VIU Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at VIU prepares students to become compassionate, competent, and critically thinking registered nurses. This four-year program blends theory, hands-on practice, and clinical placements to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for professional nursing practice in a variety of healthcare settings.
With small class sizes, supportive faculty, and a strong focus on health promotion, equity, and evidence-informed care, the BSN program at VIU encourages students to grow both personally and professionally. Graduates are eligible to write the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue careers locally, nationally, or internationally.
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