OPHA collaborates with public health professionals and community leaders to help Ontarians make responsible choices.

Association to Reduce Alcohol Promotion in Ontario (ARAPO)

The Association to Reduce Alcohol Promotion in Ontario was launched in the mid 1990’s after a group of residents from “Black Creek” noticed an increased number of alcohol advertisements in relation to other neighborhoods in Toronto. In 2003, the Ontario Public Health Association included ARAPO in its substance abuse programming. This grassroots initiative grew into a thriving educational and policy development health initiative.

Based on a formal review and subsequent changes to the Ontario Health Promotion Resource System, ARAPO is currently winding down its services for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The majority of work to date can still be accessed via the Alcohol Policy Network website.

Mission/Mandate:

To promote public health and safety by reducing the impact of alcohol advertising, promotion and sponsorship through education, policy and community action.

Objectives

  • Educate the community and health professionals about the impact of alcohol advertising on consumption rate and levels through various workshops, teleconferences, and written materials.
  • Produce and co-sponsor several research papers on the impact of alcohol promotion and its’ role in public health practice.
  • Recognize people who have made an impact in their communities in the areas of alcohol education and media.

ARAPO in Action…

  • Hosts dynamic workshops in diverse communities and contexts (community centers, schools, restaurants and bars).
  • Produces publications that are a valuable resource, utilized by many Ontario health units and substance abuse prevention programs.
  • Honours an individual or a group annually (with the ARAPO Recognition Award) for making significant contributions to reducing the impact of alcohol advertising in Ontario.

Impact

In the spring of 2007, The Alcohol Policy Network contributed to a framework report released by the National Alcohol Strategy Working Group titled “Reducing Alcohol-Related Harm in Canada: Toward a Culture of Moderation”. This report includes 41 recommendations, which address four areas for action: health promotion, prevention and education, health impacts and treatment, availability of alcohol and safer communities. The framework articulated in this report could better regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol in Ontario.