The La Cloche Foot hills Drug Strategy ( LFDS) met on Wednesday, March 8 to discuss needle exchange programs, new marijuana legislation and opioid abuse in this area.

Representatives were present from the Sudbury and District Health Unit, Sud bury and District Social Services Board, Espanola Police Services, M'Chigeeng Health Services, Espanola and Area Family Health Team, as well as Sagamok Anishnawbek Community Wellness.

Aimee Bel anger, public health nurse with SDHU and chair of LFDS, discussed staff at the SDHU receiving training for the needle exchange program. Belanger said she is hoping to have it up and running in the spring. Mark Forsythe, an alternative program worker with M'Chi ge eng and M'Nendamowin Health Services on Manitoulin Island, said there is a needle exchange program in effect on the island, and there will be some training done in Espanola. There will be an upcoming presentation scheduled.

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