Pubdate: Tue, 20 Nov 2012
Source: Kelowna Capital News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012, West Partners Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1294
Page: A26

OPEN HOUSE MARKS NATIONAL ADDICTION AWARENESS WEEK

An Open House during National Addictions Awareness Week (Nov.19 to 25)
will showcase the wide variety of resources available to help people
in the Central Okanagan.

Representatives from more than 30 agencies and organizations that
actively work to assist people struggling with or impacted by
substance abuse will be on hand for the event.

It takes place Thursday, Nov. 22, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., at Trinity
Baptist Church, 1905 Springfield Rd.

Christene Walsh, social development coordinator with the Regional
District of Central Okanagan, says acknowledging local resources and
the vital services they provide our community is one key benefit of
this event, yet sharing this knowledge with the broader community is
just as essential.

"Each year, between 2004 and 2011 the B.C. Coroners Service reported
substances were the primary cause of death for an average of 20 people
in the Central Okanagan and there were likely more deaths where
substances were a contributing factor," Walsh said.

She says the Centre for Addiction Research B.C. reports that the
Interior Health Authority region has the most hospitalizations from
alcohol and other drug overdoses. "Support is available for people
seeking healthier lives. We want Central Okanagan residents to realize
there is a wide range of resources locally because people often turn
to friends or family first for help, advice and guidance."

Visitors to the open house will find resource display booths
showcasing supportive recovery housing; shelter, support and
transitional housing; community peer support; child, youth and family
resources as well as community and residential treatment services.

Laurence East, lead pastor and executive director of Metro Community,
says there are far too many myths and misnomers associated with
addiction. "As an organization that is involved with people at the
point of crisis, we recommend this resource to=C2=85learn and know more
about the issues surrounding addiction.
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MAP posted-by: Matt