Events To Help Families Features As Part Of National Addiction Awareness Week
Submitted By - Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee
National Addictions Awareness week is November 21-27, 2021 and the theme is “Driving Change Together”.
According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) highlights solutions to help address harms related to alcohol and other drugs. It provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about prevention, to talk about treatment and recovery, and to bring forward solutions for change.
Addressing mental health and addictions issues is complex, and it takes the efforts of many organizations, services and individuals working together to ensure that citizens with mental health and addictions issues have their needs met in the most appropriate and coordinated way.
The Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee, in partnership with MJ Police Services, Medavie Health Services West, MJ Public Library, SHA Health Promotion, John Howard society, Journey to Hope, and Square One Community Inc. is pleased to present a number of local activities and events to encourage community members to learn more about alcohol and drug misuse, the potential harms associated with these activities, and how to connect for help with mental health and addictions services.
Addictions Awareness Week events in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan are listed as follows:
Moose Jaw Mayor Tolley is scheduled to proclaim Addictions Awareness week in the Mayor’s office on November 18 at 1000.
Monday November 22
o There will be a Naloxone presentation, along with Naloxone kit and Narcan distribution, at John Howard society at 15 Hochelaga St. W. from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be available.
A “Current Drug Trends in Moose Jaw” presentation by Moose Jaw Police Service and a Community Paramedic will be held at 7:00 pm at the Public Library – Theatre.
Participants will learn about what drugs are being used in Moose Jaw, how to recognize drug use and helpful ways for community members and parents to respond. Admission is free but limited to 60 seats. Guests are required to show vaccine passports or recent negative covid test at the door and wear masks throughout the session.
Tuesday November 23
Zoom presentation “Spread the Word on Meth” at 7:00 pm.
Learn about what crystal meth looks like and is made from, how it affects the brain, and why this drug is a concern to the Moose Jaw community. Access the Zoom link on the Moose Jaw Public Library Facebook site or website. https://palliserlibrary.zoom.us/j/87005012543
Wednesday November 24
Premiere of MJCMSC’s second locally filmed production, “Stop Mething Around: A Family Affair”.
This film features a family member of an individual affected by crystal meth addiction as well as a member of MJ Police Service and MJ Crystal Meth Strategy Committee providing information on supports and resources for family members. The film will be shown on a Facebook event as well as live at the MJ Public Library Theatre.
At 7:00 pm CST, join the Facebook event on (1) Stop Mething Around: A Family Affair | Facebook or live at the MJ Public Library Theatre. Admission is free but limited to 60 seats. Guests are required to show vaccine passports or recent negative covid test at the door and wear masks throughout the session. Following the premiere, the film will be available for streaming on Youtube.
Thursday November 25
o A Lunch and Learn event on Drug Treatment Court, sponsored by Square One Community Inc., will be shown at 1200 noon. Learn about what Drug Treatment Court is and hear the story from one of its graduates. To Register email della@jonesparkview.com or text 306-630-6121
o 7:00 pm – Zoom presentation “Talking With Kids About Drugs”- an interactive discussion for parents on preparing for and engaging pre-teens and teens on discussions on drug use.
Access the Zoom link on the Moose Jaw Public Library Facebook site or website. https://palliserlibrary.zoom.us/j/88527280807
Throughout Addictions Awareness week there will be social media challenges through the MJCMSC Facebook page and group, classroom challenges for students, and various Voices of Hope vignettes available online at http://journeytohope.synthasite.com/ or on the Moose Jaw Journey to Hope Facebook page.
For more resources please check out the Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee’s webpage MJCMSC | Hope Summit and find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Alcohol, Drug and Addictions Resources through Saskatchewan Health are available to assist individuals, families, service providers, physicians and communities support those with mental health and addictions issues.