THUNDER BAY – THe Thunder Bay Drug Strategy Steering Committee unveiled its proposed drug strategy to help the community of Thunder Bay better deal with the issue of substance use. Two years of community consultation, research and innovative brainstorming are reflected in the 112 proposed actions contained within
the draft report.
“We have studied the issue thoroughly, listened to community members and researched proposed solutions,” states Patty Hajdu, Drug Strategy Coordinator. “The result is a plan that is innovative, comprehensive and gives our city a strategic approach to more effectively prevent, treat and reduce harms associated with substance use”.
“Our proposed plan is unique in that it addresses not only the four traditional pillars of prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement typically found in community drug strategies, but it also addresses the foundational issue of adequate and appropriate housing,” says Rebecca Johnson, City Councillor and Chair of the Drug Strategy Steering Committee. The issue of substance use is complex and requires a greater degree of collaboration to improve community health and safety.”
The Drug Strategy Steering Committee are seeking feedback from community members and stakeholders.
Two community consultations are scheduled for February 17th. The first will be held at the NorWest Community Health Centre from 1 to 3 pm, and the second will be held at the Prosvita Hall on High Street from 7 to 9 pm.
The draft Thunder Bay Drug Strategy is available for download at thunderbaydrugstrategy.com.
The public is welcome to provide feedback on the strategy electronically via a survey found on the website. Comments and opinions will be accepted online until March 15, 2011.
The Steering Committee will be analyzing the feedback before presenting the final strategy to City Council in April.
The events will also be live-streamed so you can watch, or review them afterward to assist in making your comments to the committee.
Livestream Video provided by Paul Morralee of Morvision.