National Addictions Awareness Week, November 15 - 21, offers an opportunity for Islanders to learn more about addiction prevention, treatment and recovery, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“Addiction exists in many forms and affects the lives of many Islanders and Island families each and every day,” said the minister. “We can make a difference in the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, other drug and gambling problems by helping to build strong, caring relationships with others and providing supports for people facing challenges associated with addiction.”
Prince Edward Island joins the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery organizations across the country in marking National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW).
This year’s theme is “Addiction Matters,” drawing attention to substance abuse as a chronic health issue that impacts individuals, families and communities across Canada – and from which long-term recovery is both attainable and sustainable.
“Health PEI is proud to stand with CCSA and community partners to reinforce that addiction matters — to Islanders and all Canadians,” says Health PEI director of Mental Health and Addictions Verna Ryan. “Our staff work closely with community partners to address the many harms associated with various forms of addiction and bring hope to the lives of those suffering from addiction and their families.”
Throughout the week Health PEI will be holding open houses at some addictions facilities across the province, providing Islanders with an opportunity to tour the treatment settings. Staff from various health disciplines working in addictions will be on hand to talk openly with Islanders about various forms of addiction, as well as programming and supports available to youth, adults, families and caregivers.
Open houses for next are scheduled as follows:
Tuesday, November 17th
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Prince County Hospital (Community Mental Health and Addictions entrance)
65 Roy Boates Avenue, Summerside
Thursday, November 19th
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Provincial Addictions Treatment Facility
2814 Route 215, Mount Herbert
Saturday, November 21st
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Strength Program (Youth Recovery Centre)
151 Greenwood Drive, Summerside
Health PEI will kick off its National Addictions Awareness Week activities with a walk along Main Street in Montague on Tuesday at 12:30pm.
“There are a wide variety of services available to reach Islanders who become addicted and I encourage Islanders to take time this week to visit our facilities and talk with staff about this very important health care issue,” said the minister.
Islanders seeking help for substance use or family members and concerned others seeking support can call 1-888-299-8399.
Islanders seeking help for gambling addiction can call 1-855-255-4255.
For more information on addictions services, visit www.healthpei.ca/addictions.