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For More Information:  opioidssm@gmail.com

As a group of concerned citizens, we have come together and created a grassroots response to the Opioid Crisis that is presently plaguing our city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. We have come together from various backgrounds and skill levels and have enlisted the assistance of our community agencies who work tirelessly to assist those with Mental Health and Addictions issues. It is our hope that this will be the first of many engagement opportunities for our community and it’s leaders.

It is our purpose in holding this community engagement event, that we can raise awareness of the issues at hand, as well as provide educational material and foster connections. We are very aware that holding our event is not a solution to the problem, but it is our hope that it is a step in the direction of facilitating change.

We have enlisted the assistance of agencies such as Algoma Public Health (specifically the Community Alcohol And Drug Assessment Program), the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Indian Friendship Centre. As well, we are joined by a prominent member of our community who has lived experience and is successful in his recovery. These panelists will spend some time introducing themselves, their work, and their affiliated agency, as well as the services that are provided by their respective organizations. We will also hear from a family member and very strong woman, the story of her brother.

All attendees will have the opportunity to listen to our guest speakers and will be provided with materials to write down any questions that they may have. These questions will be gathered during a brief intermission and compiled into concise and appropriate categories. After reconvening, the audience questions will be presented by a moderator to the panelists and will be answered to the best of their combined abilities.

We have mobilized many other agencies within our community who have graciously donated their time to us and will have educational tables set up and will be available to answer any questions and facilitate connections. Some of these agencies are: The John Howard Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, Algoma Public Health, Canadian Addiction Treatment Centre (OATC), Sault College, HARP, and Sault Area Hospital, to name a few

There will be representatives and Pharmacists from Independent Drug Marts SSM in attendance, who will also have some sample Naloxone kits and training pieces on hand.

We sincerely hope that you will join us on March 19, 2018 from 6pm to 9pm for this event. It is taking place at Sault College in room G1200, with free parking available in the J South lot.

Coffee, tea, and refreshments will be provided.