Several events planned to build awareness of benefits of addiction-free lifestyles
GRANDE PRAIRIE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) is partnering with individuals, community groups, schools and businesses to organize a number of local area events for National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW), Nov. 25 to Dec. 1.
NAAW aims to raise awareness about issues related to substance abuse and problem gambling. The week highlights prevention and how everyone can play a role, no matter how big or small, towards helping build addiction-free lifestyles.
AHS wants to help increase understanding of the stigma associated with substance abuse and addiction, and the impact it has on people affected by this issue. It’s important for those who are struggling to know it’s OK to ask for help and to ensure those dealing with addiction issues are treated with respect and dignity, without judgment and stigma.
Local events for National Addictions Awareness Week include:
- Nov. 25 to Jan. 7: Safe and Sober campaign pledge trees will be set up at the Salvation Army, Northern Addictions Centre, Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association and ACT Medical. People are invited to sign and hang up small cards on a pledge tree, promising to make responsible choices over the holiday season.
- Nov. 25 to Dec. 1: Local liquor outlets will participate in an awareness campaign by handing out National Addiction Awareness Week cards promoting the theme: Stigma Ends With Me.
- Nov. 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: ‘With All Our Relations’ addiction awareness week workshop facilitated by Northreach Society and Grande Prairie Friendship Centre at the Grande Prairie Museum Community Room (10329 101 Ave). This addiction awareness workshop examines the contemporary experiences of Indigenous people as it relates to substance abuse; specifically, the current opioid crisis. The day wraps with a take-home naloxone training session. Open to people 16 years of age and up, and includes lunch. Registration is limited to 30 participants. To register, please call Audrey at Northreach Society, 780-538-3388, or email audrey@northreach.ca.
- Nov. 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Mocktails at Grande Prairie Regional College concourse near the entrance to the Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre. NAAW planning committee members will offer samples and recipes for non-alcoholic options for holiday festivities, as well as information on responsible hosting.
- Nov. 22, 26 and 27: Northwest Peace Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Network will be giving presentations at the Duncan First Nation on Nov. 22 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. (prior to round dance at the Community Hall); Gift Lake Metis Settlement on Nov. 26 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Seniors Centre; and Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation on Nov. 27 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Health Unit. All are open to the public.
Albertans can access addiction information, prevention, treatment services and programs through more than 50 AHS addictions and mental health sites across the province. There is also outreach support in communities across the province made possible through collaboration between AHS staff, local community coalitions and other partners.
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.
