Jayse Heer-Matonovich, Bensly Pierre, and Loghan Eskritt were among the top three finalists and recipients of the People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Map the System Research Competition hosted by Thompson Rivers University. Their project, The Toxic Drug Poisoning Crisis in Kamloops, BC: Embracing a Multifaceted Approach through Complex Care Housing, used a systems thinking lens to explore one of the region’s most urgent public health challenges.
Bringing together their diverse academic backgrounds, the team approached the issue from multiple perspectives: Loghan in psychology, Bensly in computer science, and Jayse in political science and communications. This interdisciplinary collaboration allowed them to highlight the complex and interconnected nature of the crisis, going beyond surface-level causes to examine systemic gaps and solutions.
In their research, the group investigated wrap-around services like complex care housing as an emerging model to address the overlapping challenges of substance use, mental health, homelessness, and physical health. Unlike traditional housing approaches, complex care housing offers wrap-around supports tailored to individuals with multiple, co-occurring needs. Their findings emphasized that wellness is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it must be defined by each person’s unique circumstances and aspirations, which may not align with conventional treatment pathways.
Through this work, the team developed a deeper understanding of how social systems interact and how policies, healthcare, housing, and community support must work together to create long-term change.
Their research contributes to ongoing conversations about how wrap-around services can be scaled and adapted to meet community-specific needs. The team extends their gratitude to Lana Fine for her mentorship and insightful guidance throughout the research process and to Luke Red grove for his support with video production.
