A poster advertising the walk (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Walk held in support of National Addictions Awareness Week

Nov 24, 2020 | 12:08 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A group of residents walked together in support of National Addictions Awareness Week this morning, November 24.

Cassidy Lorne, the mobile addiction outreach worker with the McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association said it’s important for people recovering from addiction to know that supports are available to them.

She said normally, the week is recognized with different events such as conferences. Due to COVID-19, Lorne said that wasn’t possible this year, but the walk was a way to still raise awareness in a safe manner amid the pandemic.

Local groups that helped with the walk include SAM (Southern Alcare Manor) Sober Living, Parkside Group Home, Foothills Detox, members of SAGE Clan and the Lethbridge Youth Treatment Centre.

Participants would be seen waving a ‘Fresh Start’ flag.

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“That’s South Country Treatment Centre, formerly, they’ve just been taken over by Fresh Start, so they’re a big community partner with us,” Lorne explained.

More details on the Fresh Start South Country Treatment Centre can be found here.

Lorne said the week is also a great way to break down barriers between all the different supports available to people recovering from addiction and can create a sense of collaboration between agencies.

“It’s nice to get a lot of community engagement, a lot more awareness about what’s out there and then for us to engage too and see how we’re able to bridge some of those gaps.”

More on National Addictions Awareness Week is available here.

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