Local events in Grande Prairie to raise awareness around addiction, recovery

GRANDE PRAIRIE – National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) provides opportunities to address harms related to substance use and to inform Albertans about prevention, treatment and recovery.

Through this year’s theme, Inspiration, Innovation and Inclusion, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is focused on highlighting the advancements made to support individuals on their path to recovery.

Using a recovery-oriented approach, AHS is expanding and enhancing access to treatment and support for Albertans no matter where they live.

Supported by the Government of Alberta, AHS has expanded supports for those suffering from addiction, including the enhancement of opioid treatment through additional clinics and the expansion of the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program.

AHS recognizes the importance of engaging Albertans as key partners in their care and offers a range of services to help those facing mental health challenges or suffering from addiction live a more satisfying, hopeful and contributing life. The path to recovery is different for everyone but it is possible.

The following is a list of some NAAW events taking place in Grande Prairie:

• Nov. 20-25 – NAAW information display booths at the Grande Prairie Public Library, Grande Prairie Court House and Northern Addictions Centre.
• Nov. 20 – NAAW family skate night with the Grande Prairie Storm from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at Design Works Centre.
• Nov. 21-24 – Opioids Don’t Discriminate: An Interactive Experience will be on display at Teresa Sargent Hall in the Montrose Cultural Centre.
• Nov. 21 – Understanding Addiction workshop from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. via Zoom. Email northzoneaddictionandmentalhealthworkshops@ahs.ca for information.
• Nov. 23 – Supporting Youth Who Use Substances Workshop from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. via Zoom. Email northzoneaddictionandmentalhealthworkshops@ahs.ca for more information.
• Nov. 24 – Hope in the City campaign from 9 to 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. led by the Salvation Army and Wapiti House. Volunteers will be handing out hot chocolate, handwarmers and information on how to access various social services in the city.
• Nov. 25 – Grande Prairie round dance starting at 4:30 p.m. at Northwestern Polytechnic, hosted by the Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services.

For a full listing of events in other communities in the North Zone please go to: Improve Your Health in North Zone.

Resources available to help individuals, families, schools, and communities. Visit ahs.ca/helpintoughtimes.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, please know help is available. Albertans can get more information and help by calling Health Link at 811 or the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.

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. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.