In response to a growing concern in the community about addiction, drug misuse and the prevalence of overdose in the Sault, the Sault Ste. Marie and Area Drug Strategy Committee have organized an Addictions Information Fair on Monday, April 3rd.
Desiree Beck, chair of the SSMADSC, indicated recent media coverage focusing on drug use and prevalence, as well as reports alerting the community to an overdose epidemic in the Sault, with the most recent report from the Sault Police, has created an opportunity for service providers to educated the public about available addiction services.
“There are a lot of questions in the air. The Drug Strategy Committee has been contacted by everyone from concerned loved ones who want to know where to send family members for support to parents concerned about what is being taught in school,” remarked Beck. “We want to make sure that people know that there are service providers in the community doing good work. It’s an opportunity for people to connect with services that they might not even know exist in our community.”
About fifteen agencies will be represented at the Fair. With the exception of Camillus Centre which is a treatment centre located in Elliot Lake, all of these resources can be accessed in Sault Ste. Marie. Low-threshold supports, drug and alcohol counselling, youth services, methadone clinics and detox centres are some of the types of services providing information Monday night.
Beck is hoping the event will address some false impressions held by community regarding support for people struggling with addiction in the Sault. “I think the misconceptions that exist are that there are no services here or that the services that are here aren’t doing enough. It’s really important to give agencies an opportunity to accurately promote their services. A lot of times information is coming through the grapevine and it’s not always accurate. We understand that people will always experience some barrier to service, like wait times, but we’re aiming to highlight addiction services, what they offer and how to get support.”
Below is the press release issued by the Sault Ste. Marie and Area Drug Strategy earlier today.
March 30, 2017
For Immediate Release:
The Sault Ste. Marie & Area Drug Strategy invite you to attend our first annual Addictions Information Fair.
In light of growing concerns surrounding drug use in our community, this fair aims to highlight the services available locally.
This is a free event open to all community members and service providers looking to increase their awareness of addictions specific services.
The Addictions Information Fair will be held at the Indian Friendship Centre location at 122 East St. between 12pm and 6 pm on Friday April 7th, 2017.
SSM & Area Drug Strategy Committee
