Karen McDonald


Karen McDonald

Karen McDonald leads Ontario’s Drug Checking Community, the provincial expansion of Toronto’s Drug Checking Service. This program is an essential public health service in response to Canada’s toxic drug supply crisis.

Karen previously oversaw the operations of MAP’s Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, as well as the operation and implementation of the Choosing Wisely Canada campaign. She has more than fifteen years of public sector experience, during which she has informed public policy and contributed to health systems change.

Karen is the Director of Ontario’s Drug Checking Community, housed at MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital. She has received international recognition as a leader in drug checking service delivery, as well as community-led unregulated drug market monitoring and education. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Administration and Law from York University and is a certified project management professional.