People will soon get an inside look into opioid use in Grande Praire. A video series called Critical Condition: The Opioid Crisis in Grande Prairie is set to premiere next month. Mayor Bill Given says it will feature profiles of multiple people who have been directly affected by the drugs.
“The overwhelming response from people willing to participate in the video series speaks directly to the human face of the crisis we are experiencing and how many lives it has touched. Our hope is that the range of perspectives featured in the video series helps break down the stigma surrounding opioid use and demonstrates how we must come together as community to respond.”
The series was produced by the Grande Prairie Community Opioid Response Task Force with funding received from the Alberta Government. It was designed to raise awareness about opioids in the city and aims to reduce the stigma surrounding their use.
The task force was formed in December 2017 by Given in response to the increase in usage in the city. It is made up of social service agencies, health care representatives, RCMP, members of the business community, school district representatives and several municipal government departments.
The premiere will take place on February 5th at Grande Prairie Live Theatre from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are free but people are encouraged to pre-register by phone at 780-538 -1616 or at the GPLT box office.