The Grande Prairie Community Opioid Response Task Force will be hosting several opioid crisis education sessions in the next few weeks.
“When people started to pay attention it was already mind-blowing levels happening and people dying every day. Now it’s accelerated beyond imaginable,” says Tyla Savard, with Moms Stop the Harm
Savard says those fighting addictions have a stigma around them, and she hopes on top of the education aspect of the sessions, she will get the point across that addiction is not a choice.
“Everybody’s book of life is at different chapters, and just because someone’s chapter is not in a good spot, or not in a place you think they should be doesn’t mean you should tear them down further. They’re already doing it to themselves.”
She believes tangible changes in the system need to be made to fully remove Grande Prairie from what she says is a tipping point.
“We need to come together and rally together to support them, put the supports in place. When they’re ready they need to be able to access detox, to be able to access a doctor for medical support.”
The first session takes place Wednesday, May 29th and will focus on treatment and recovery. The second will take place on June 10th with a spotlight on prevention and harm reduction. Both will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Rotary Community Room in the Montrose Cultural Centre, in partnership with the Grande Prairie Public Library.