AHS promotes National Addictions Awareness Week

Several events planned across the South Zone later this month

LETHBRIDGE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) is partnering with individuals, community groups, schools and businesses throughout the South Zone to organize a number of events for National Addictions Awareness Week, Nov. 19-25.

The week aims to raise awareness about issues related to substance abuse and problem gambling, and to highlight how individuals can take steps to ensure an addiction-free lifestyle for themselves and their families.

The theme for this year’s awareness week is: Small actions make big differences.

“We all can make a difference in helping prevent alcohol, tobacco, other drug and gambling problems, especially in our youth,” says Dr. Michael Trew, Senior Medical Director Addiction and Mental Health with AHS. “Even in our daily interactions we can make an impact. By helping to build strong and caring relationships with our youth, we are helping them to gain the confidence in making healthy choices for themselves.”

South Zone events for National Addictions Awareness Week include:

• An information and awareness booth will be on display in the atrium of Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge Nov. 20 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• A free family skate will be held at Nicholas Sheran Arena in Lethbridge Nov. 20 between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• In Medicine Hat, there will be opportunities to hear from experts in a speaker’s series running Nov. 19 to 23 between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. All sessions will be held at the Medicine Hat Provincial Building, Room 1 A/B.
  • Nov. 19: Alcoholics Anonymous speakers
  • Nov. 20: Narcotics Anonymous speakers
  • Nov. 21: SMART Recovery speakers
  • Nov. 22: Al-Anon speakers
  • Nov. 23: Gamblers Anonymous speakers
• In Taber, AHS will be distributing tent cards to all the local licensed establishments. The cards address common misconceptions about alcohol and alcohol consumption. As well, National Addictions Awareness Week novelty items will be provided to Taber hotels to assist in raising awareness.

Albertans can access information, as well as prevention and treatment services, at more than  50 AHS Addiction and Mental Health sites across the province, as well as through outreach initiatives involving community partners.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.8 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.

• News release

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