AHS promotes National Addictions Awareness Week

Several events planned in Grande Prairie later this month

GRANDE PRAIRIE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) is partnering with individuals, community groups, schools and businesses to organize a number of local events for National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW), Nov. 26 - Dec. 2.

NAAW aims to raise awareness about issues related to substance abuse and problem gambling. The week highlights prevention and how everyone can play a role, no matter how big or small, towards addiction-free lifestyles.

“Our everyday choices and interactions with others can make a difference in helping prevent alcohol, tobacco, other drug and gambling problems,” says Korie-Lyn Northey, AHS community addiction services administrator in Grande Prairie. “By helping to build strong and caring relationships with others, we are helping them to gain confidence and make healthy choices. Small actions can make an impact.”

Local events for National Addictions Awareness Week include:

• Nov. 27, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Story of Addiction: Reality and Recovery, featuring video screenings as well as guest speakers, in the Ernie Radbourne Pavilion at Muskoseepi Park.
• Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mocktails at Grande Prairie Regional College. NAAW planning committee members will offer samples and recipes for non-alcoholic options for holiday festivities, as well as information on responsible hosting.
• Nov. 29, 7 p.m. Taylor Mulder will give a 45-minute presentation about his story of addiction and recovery, titled Wake Up or Die, in the Synergy Room at City on 99th. There is a limit of 60 spots available and registration is required through Eventbrite. Visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/taylor-mulder-this-is-my-story-tickets-52270099274
• Dec. 1, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Walk for Sobriety – Walking the Red Road/Round Dance. The event starts with an open house with addictions resources and information, which runs until 3 p.m. at The Salvation Army, 9615 102 St. The Walk for Sobriety starts at 3:30 p.m. from The Salvation Army to the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, 10507 98 Ave., where an Indigenous pipe ceremony, feast and round dance will follow.
• Nov. 26 to Jan. 7: Safe and Sober campaign spledge trees will be set up at the Grande Prairie Public Library, Northern Addictions Centre, ACT Medical, Aberdeen Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association and HIV North.

Albertans can access addiction information, prevention, treatment services and programs through more than 50 AHS addiction and mental health sites across the province. There is also outreach support in communities across the province made possible through collaboration between AHS staff, local community coalitions and other partners.

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. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.