CITY OF ORILLIA
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Opioids and Other Drugs in Our Community Forum Oct. 22Learn more about how opioids and other drugs are impacting the Orillia community at an educational forum hosted by the City of Orillia in collaboration with the Simcoe Muskoka Opioid Strategy and Orillia Drug Strategy Task Force on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the Orillia City Centre.
The forum will feature a plenary panel presentation and question-and-answer session with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) and a pharmacist.
This event is open to the entire community, with a focus on health and social service providers, educators, students and enforcement personnel.
“There isn’t a community that hasn’t felt the horrible effects of the opioid crisis," said Mayor Steve Clarke. "New drugs such as fentanyl, carfentanil and purple heroin are having a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities from across all demographics. Please join us for this educational session and hear from those closely associated with this egregious issue."
“The opioid crisis is one of the most significant public health issues of our time and involves a tremendous loss of lives. These are not just numbers. These are people in our community and each person represents the story of a loved one, family member, friend, co-worker; every life matters. This affects us all on a deeply personal and community level. We need to not only continue to sound the alarm, but also look at how we turn the tide in addressing this crisis,” said Claudia Swoboda-Geen, Public Health Nurse, Substance Use and Injury Prevention Program, with the SMDHU.
Speakers include Dr. Lisa Simon, Associate Medical Officer of Health and Chair of the Simcoe Muskoka Opioid Strategy, Detective Inspector Alana McCutcheon, OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, and Meredith Fryia, Manager, Addiction Services at CMHA.
There is no charge for this forum, but space is limited. Registration is required by Oct. 15 and can be completed at opioidforum2019.bpt.me or by calling 705-721-7520.
Light refreshments will be provided and free parking is available in Municipal Parking Lots 6 and 9 near the Orillia City Centre.
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