M’CHIGEENG—Last week, the M’Chigeeng Health Centre (M’Nendamowin Health Services) joined other organizations across the Island and Canada in promoting National Addictions Awareness Week through workshops, information sessions and even a self care day.
“The goal this year for National Addictions Awareness Week was to have informative sessions while also being supportive of those who have not yet made a change in their substance use and also to those who have made changes,” alternative program worker Sam Gilchrist explained to The Expositor on Monday. “The M’Chigeeng Health Centre hosted workshops and events that involved community member participation, such as the sober walk and the effects of alcohol on diabetes lunch and learn. The M’Chigeeng Health Centre also hosted workshops geared to assisting staff with increasing their helping skills, such as the harm reduction and substances 101 workshop.”
Also as part of the events, the health centre organized an Arrive Alive presentation for Manitoulin Secondary School students and a self care day at the M’Chigeeng complex for community members.
“In order to illustrate the importance of self care we organized the Restoring Wellness Day, which offered many events that were meant to inspire individuals to take part in these events or other healthy choices that are meaningful to them,” said Mr. Gilchrist. “The day (held last Saturday) included the following activities at no cost to participants: massage, an on-site esthetician, zumba, yoga, a hair dresser, aromatherapy and the creation of personalized bath salts, traditional beading, a clown/storyteller, a craft table for kids, hula hooping, as well as a feast. The message of the day was that it is always important to take care of oneself no matter where one is in their personal journey.”
M’Chigeeng’s National Addictions Awareness Week was sponsored by M’Chigeeng Alternatives, M’Chigeeng Mental Health, M’Chigeeng chief and council, Access Aids Network, Raising the Spirit, Rainbow Lodge, M’Chigeeng Youth Centre, M’Chigeeng Ontario Works, M’Chigeeng Drug Strategy, M’Chigeeng HBHC, the Ontario Provincial Police, Ontario HIV and Substance Use Training Program, Sudbury and District Health Unit, Noojmowin Teg Health Centre and Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services.
“The M’Chigeeng Health Centre would like to thank all of the participants in the events as well as all of the agencies and individuals that assisted in the implementation of the events,” concluded Mr. Gilchrist.
