AHS promotes National Addictions Awareness Week

CENTRAL ZONE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) is teaming up with individuals, community groups, schools and businesses across the province to celebrate National Addictions Awareness Week, which runs Nov. 12 – 18.

National Addictions Awareness Week helps to raise awareness about issues related to substance abuse and problem gambling. The week is also an opportunity to highlight prevention and the ways in which all Albertans can play a role, big or small, towards supporting addiction-free lifestyles.

There are many ways to help prevent substance abuse. An important one is to support parents in role modelling healthy behaviours and talking with their children about alcohol and other drugs. Building and maintaining positive mental wellbeing can also protect against the development or worsening of an addiction.

The theme for this year’s National Addictions Awareness Week is ‘Small Actions Make big Differences.’ The following is a list of some events taking place in Central Zone communities:

Lacombe – Several local pharmacies have partnered with AHS to take part in a Medication Round Up. November 12-18, residents are encouraged to drop off unused or expired medications at Rexall, Pharmasave, IDA, No Frills and Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy in Lacombe for proper disposal.

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An information booth will be set up November 13-17 at the Addiction and Mental Health Office (301, 5033 52 Street). Addiction councillors will be present to speak with residents and answer questions.

Rimbey – A free Kids & Drugs workshop will be offered at the Rimbey Municipal Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on November 14. The workshop will focus on prevention in school aged children.

Wetaskiwin – An information booth will be set up November 15 at the Farmers Market (at the Wetaskiwin Mall). Addiction councillors will be present to speak with residents and answer questions. A free family fun skate will be offered November 17, in partnership with AHS, the City of Wetaskiwin and Tim Hortons. Information displays will be set up and addiction councillors will be present to speak with residents and answer questions.

Maskwacis – The Kisipatnahk Health and Wellness Centre is hosting four days of Addiction Matters awareness activities and cultural teachings November 14-17.

Rocky Mountain House – Residents can access impaired driving awareness information at nine local liquor stores and parents can receive information packages on how to talk to youth about drugs, alcohol and tobacco from AHS Addiction and Mental Health staff at the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre.

Community Displays

AHS will be setting up display booths to raise awareness about National Addictions Awareness Week and local addictions services in a number of locations throughout the week, including at the Camrose Public library and Augustana University, at the Innisfail Health Centre and the Innisfail Medical Clinic, Rimbey Co-op, Red Deer 49th St. Community Health Centre, Red Deer Provincial Building (on the 1st floor) and at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, Battle River Medical Clinic and Ponoka Mental Health office in Ponoka, the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre, Rocky Mountain House Health Centre, Stettler Hospital and Care Centre and the Stettler and District Family and Community Support Services.
Information displays will also be set up in a number of local schools throughout the week.

Albertans can access addiction and mental health information, prevention, treatment services and programs at AHS sites across the province. AHS staff, local community coalitions and other partners are also working to address the needs of Albertans in the communities where they live.

Call Health Link at 811 to find an AHS Addiction and Mental Health site near you.

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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.