Crystal Meth Strategy Committee Disbanding

Submitted by - Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee

The Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee (MJCMSC) is a network of several human service organizations and community members, led by Moose Jaw Police Service.

The MJCMSC, originally formed in 2019, secured grant funds from the Community Initiatives and Civil Forfeiture Funds which enabled them to conduct a prevention and awareness campaign in 2021.

The committee’s goal was to inform community members about the dangers of crystal meth, targeting

parents and educators so they could increase their comfort levels to have discussions with youth about crystal meth and other drugs.

The committee’s main objectives were to stimulate conversations that dispel myths, to address stigma associated with drug addictions, and to inform community members about the local resources and supports.

The MJCMSC’s prevention and awareness campaign will conclude at the end of December 2021 and we would like to summarize and celebrate the highlights of the campaign activities. From March to December 2021, the committee’s work involved:

 The production of two locally filmed videos in partnership with Shaw Spotlight.

To date, “Stop Mething Around”, a video launched in June 2021 featuring the stories of two individuals with lived experience with crystal meth addiction, has had over 9,000 views.

Following the release of “Stop Mething Around” the committee received several comments through social media around the need for support and information for family members of people who are affected by crystal meth.

In response, the video “Stop Mething Around: A Family Affair” was filmed in October and released in November 2021.

Both videos can be found on YouTube.

A number of different presentations were delivered to local groups, staff meetings, and organizations. “Spread the Word on Meth” outlines the facts on crystal meth and was delivered on 15 occasions.

“Meagan’s Journey”, a powerful story of a young woman with lived experience through a crystal meth addiction, was delivered in person to 25 classrooms in Moose Jaw and Rural area.

Monthly media features on local online and television news regarding crystal meth issues, history, and treatment resources.

Crystal Meth Awareness Week June 6-12, including a number of community presentations and the launch of “Stop Mething Around”.

Addictions Awareness Week November 21-27, including a number of community events and the launch of “Stop Mething Around: A Family Affair”.

Social Media through Instagram and Facebook.

The MJCMSC’s webpage MJCMSC | Hope Summit which contains Powerpoint presentations, a parent toolkit, links to both videos, Grade 9 Health lesson plans, and two recorded presentations.

We would like to acknowledge the organizations that were involved on the committee and commend them for recognizing the need to address the crystal meth issue collectively:

  • Moose Jaw Police Service

  • Thunder Creek Rehabilitation Association (Wakamow Manor Detox)

  • Moose Jaw Literacy

  • Moose Jaw Transition House

  • Saskatchewan Health Authority (Health Promotion and Mental Health/Addictions)

  • Medavie Health Services West

  • Prairie South School Division

  • Holy Trinity Catholic School Division

  • Moose Jaw City Council

  • Moose Jaw Family Services

While the MJCMSC will conclude, there is a commitment from partners to address community concerns regarding addictions or other issues requiring a multi-sectoral approach as the issues are brought forward.

Many issues, including addictions, impact the community and the work of several sectors, and require an

interagency approach to finding solutions.

In closing, we would like to remind community members of some of the local resources available to support those, and their family members, who are struggling with crystal meth or other addictions issues.

Wakamow Manor Detox - Offers a safe withdrawal management (Social Detox) program with 20 beds. Two additional beds are available for individuals waiting for treatment facility. For more information, please call 306-694-4030.

Mental Health and Addictions Services - Centralized Intake (306 691 6464) will discuss concerns of individuals or family members and determine the appropriate response to the service request which may include individual or group services.

Crescent view Clinic – Needle exchange and safe inhalation supplies are available, as well as take-home Naloxone kits, HIV, hepatitis and STI testing, a methadone clinic, and education and information services. 131 First Avenue NW. 306 691 2040

Peer support groups -

Narcotics Anonymous – Salvation Army (basement) Tuesdays at 7 pm; Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 pm

Nar-Anon (for family members) – Alliance Church Mondays at 7:00 pm

The resources on the MJCMSC webpage MJCMSC | Hope Summit will continue to be available to community members.

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