SOUTH ZONE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) is teaming up with individuals, community groups, schools and businesses across the province to celebrate National Addictions Awareness Week, which begins today in Medicine Hat, and runs Nov. 25 to Dec. 1 in Lethbridge.
The effects of addiction go beyond the individual to include their family and friends, and society as a whole. Preventing and reducing harm related to substance use and addiction is everyone’s business.
National Addictions Awareness Week calls on all of us to learn more about issues related to substance use and problem gambling. The week is also an opportunity to highlight ways in which all Albertans can play a role, big or small, to support one another in living addiction-free.
The following is a list of some events taking place in South Zone communities:
- Nov 18, 19, Medicine Hat, Opioids Don’t Discriminate: A free, interactive exhibit that could challenge what you think you know. Walk in Natasha’s, David’s and Max’s shoes, experience their stories and the path that led them to their choices, a path that can be easily identifiable with residents of southern Alberta. Learn about local resources. Nov. 18 and 19 at the Medicine Hat Stampede Grounds, Higdon Hall. Drop-in from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday or Tuesday.
Please email for group bookings over 20 people, mhdrugcoalition@gmail.com
- Nov. 20: Community Substance Abuse Awareness Resource Team (CSART) National Addictions Awareness Week Conference: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wed., Coast Hotel and Conference Centre, 526 Mayor Magrath Dr. S in Lethbridge. Cost is $30 and includes morning snack and lunch. Keynote speaker and facilitator is Nicole Sherren, Scientific Director and Senior Program Officer with the Palix Foundation (an Alberta Family Wellness initiative) will speak on brain development and addiction.
For more information email: lethabcsart@hotmail.com
- Nov 22 and 23, Lethbridge, Opioids Don’t Discriminate: 9 a.m. Nov. 22 opening ceremony, Lethbridge Regional Park N’ Ride Transit Terminal, 705 5 Ave. S., 2nd floor. Drop in from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Please email for group bookings over 20 people, lethabcsart@hotmail.com
- Nov 25, McMan Addiction Outreach Services 3rd annual NAAW Walk: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., beginning at Lethbridge City Hall. Signs, shirts and banners that demonstrate empathy, inclusion, and support to people who experience addiction, are affected by addiction, or commemorate those lost by addiction, drugs, or alcohol are encouraged.
For further information call Andrew at 403-894-9767 or email maow.student@mcman.ca
- Nov 25 – 30: Resources will be sent out to schools and community groups to help them share messages of hope and recovery.
Albertans can access addiction and mental health information, prevention, treatment services and programs at AHS sites across the province. AHS staff, local community coalitions and other partners are also working to address the needs of Albertans in the communities where they live.
Call Health Link at 811 to find an AHS Addiction and Mental Health site near you.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
