AHS promotes National Addictions Awareness Week - North Zone

NORTH ZONE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) is helping Albertans to reduce risk factors and promote protective factors to help them prevent addiction and substance abuse.

The development of problems with substance use is complex; however, there are things individuals can to do to help prevent addiction in themselves and others, including their children, says Dr. Nicholas Mitchell, AHS Provincial Medical Director, Addiction and Mental Health.

“It’s important to understand to take care of ourselves and be positive role models for the children in our lives,” says Dr. Mitchell. “National Addictions Awareness Week (Nov. 13-19) gives us an opportunity to talk about what we all can do to help prevent addiction in ourselves, our children and within our communities.”

AHS has created an online Addiction Prevention Toolkit at albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page14610.aspx to help Albertans prevent addiction and substance abuse. The toolkit includes tips for building healthy relationships and positive behaviours for individuals, parents, communities, families, schools, and workplaces.

“We know small actions can make a big difference,” says Dr. Mitchell. “This toolkit is very helpful and provides some great tips, such as asking friends how they are doing, engaging with others and outlining how to practise self-care, all of which can make a difference.”

Local and area events for National Addictions Awareness Week include:

Fairview

• A display sharing addictions resources and information will be set up this week at the Fairview Health Complex, 10628 110 St.
• AHS representatives will be on hand to share information and answer questions at the Grande Prairie Regional College, Fairview Campus, 11235 98 Ave.
  • November 15, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Grande Prairie

• Walk for Sobriety – Walking the Red Road.
• Nov. 19:
  • Open House with addictions resources and information from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 9615 102 St.
  • Speeches at 3 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 9615 102 St.
  • Walk for Sobriety at 3:30 p.m., starting at the Salvation Army, with Indigenous pipe ceremony, feast and round dance to follow at the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, 10507 98 Ave.

Grimshaw

• A display sharing addictions resources and information will be set up at the Grimshaw Municipal Library, 5007 47 Ave.
• AHS representatives will be on hand to share information and answer questions at the Mile Zero Grimshaw Multiplex, 4609 50 St.
  • November 22 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • November 25 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

High Prairie

• A display sharing addictions resources and information will be set up this week at the:
  • High Prairie Municipal Library, 4723 53 Ave.
  • High Prairie Provincial Building
  • High Prairie Mental Health and Addictions Office, 4620 53 Ave.
• AHS representatives will be on hand to share information and answer questions at the High Prairie Health Complex, 4620 53 Ave.
  • November 15, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Manning

• AHS representatives will be on hand to share information and answer questions at the Manning Community Health Centre, 600 2 Street NE.
  • November 24, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

McLennan

• AHS representatives will be on hand to share information and answer questions at the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, 350 3 Ave NW.
  • November 9, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Nampa

• A display sharing addictions resources and information will be set up this week at the Nampa Municipal Library, 10203 99 Ave.

Peace River

• A display will be set up this week at the:
  • Peace River Municipal Library, 9807 97 Ave.
  • Peace River Provincial Building, 9621 96 Ave.

Help is available if you are or someone you know is struggling with an addiction. Albertans can get more information or help by calling Health Link at 811 or the Addiction Helpline 1-866-332-2322.

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.

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