Pubdate: Thu, 19 Jun 2014
Source: Oakville Beaver (CN ON)
Copyright: 2014, Oakville Beaver
Contact:  http://www.insidehalton.com/oakville-on/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1600
Page: 18
Author: David Lea

NEW HALTON DRUG STRATEGY YEARS IN THE MAKING

Halton Region has come one step closer to creating a comprehensive
strategy for helping those struggling with substance use.

Regional council voted Wednesday to receive a report outlining the
next phase in the creation of a Halton Equitable Drug Strategy.

The plan, which seeks to reduce the stigma and harm associated with
substance use; improve access to community services; ensure services
are well-informed and of the highest quality; and produce attainable
goals, has been in the making since October 2012.

The drug strategy is welcome news for Georgetown resident Betty-Lou
Kristy, co chair of the strategy's steering committee. Kristy, whose
son Pete died of an accidental opioid overdose, has been advocating
for such a strategy for years.

"Developing a Halton Equitable Drug Strategy is imperative to the
health and wellness of our communities," said Kristy. "Substance use
issues affects all ages and stages of our community members, often
resulting in loss of life and/or quality of life. When substance use
escalates to misuse, abuse and addiction it has this inherent and
pervasive way to tear apart families and the social welfare of all who
are negatively impacted (directly or indirectly.)"

Kristy said addiction is an illness, not a lifestyle choice. She
stressed it's imperative that we reduce the stigma and judgement
surrounding substance use and allow others to understand that it is
essential to work together as a community to engage a whole continuum
of meaningful and affective choices.

"We need to strengthen prevention and education, early intervention
right through to equitable treatment access. As a community we owe
this to our children, fellow citizens and in memory of those who have
died like my son, Pete," said Kristy.

Back in 2012 Oakville Liberal Candidate Kevin Flynn hosted a meeting
to discuss how a drug strategy in Halton could improve community
services and the quality of life for citizens.

Those in attendance also heard about the work being done in other
communities, including Peterborough, Waterloo and Wellington-Guelph,
and were given an idea about what the situation with substance use is
in Halton.

Data collected by Halton Region indicates alcohol is the most commonly
used drug with the percentage of Halton residents aged 12 and over
that report heavy drinking (five or more drinks on one occasion) being
higher than the Ontario rate (19 per cent Halton vs. 16 per cent Ontario).

According to the Regional staff report 12 per cent of Halton residents
aged 15 and over report illicit drug use in the last 12 months, which
is the same as provincial rates.

The 2012 meeting ended with Regional Chair Gary Carr committing to
liaise with key community partners to create a "made in Halton" drug
strategy.

A steering committee was ultimately formed comprising of
representatives from the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS),
Alcohol, Drug and Gambling Assessment, Prevention and Treatment
(ADAPT), the Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network
(LHIN), the Halton District School Board (HDSB), the Halton Catholic
District School Board (HCDSB), the Canadian Mental Health Association
(CMHA), Peer Outreach Support Services and Education (POSSE), and
volunteers whose lives have been impacted by substance use.

During the summer of 2013 the Region carried out a survey of Halton
Substance Use Programs and Services to identify strengths and gaps.
The survey found there are 18 substance use programs and services in
Oakville, 16 in Burlington, 17 in Milton and 14 in Halton Hills.

"Any programming or services that are implemented need to be equally
accessible across the region including north Halton where often
services may not be as available," said one survey respondent who did
not include their name.

"Youth and families are unable to travel to south Halton and this
presents a huge barrier. Programming needs to be in each community,
including Milton, Georgetown and Acton."

Besides issues with fewer services and transportation in north Halton,
some of the other gaps listed by the survey included an insufficient
number of treatment programs, a lack of support for families, a lack
of programs/services for specific groups (e.g. students, seniors,
inmates), insufficient housing, and issues with integration.

In December 2013 the strategy's steering committee received $41,000
from the Mississauga Halton LHIN- $29,700 of which was spent on next
steps.

The remainder was returned to the LHIN as it was not used by March 31,
2014 as per the funding arrangement.

The funds were used to develop five themes for the strategy to be
based around.

These themes included statements that: The Halton community values
investment in education and raising awareness about substance use;
There are gaps in substance use programs and services in Halton;
Treatment Services can be improved in Halton; Justice services can be
improved in Halton; Community services and integration can be improved
in Halton.

The staff report said coming up with specific actions to address the
themes would be an ongoing process over the next two years.

Surveys will also be sent to stakeholders to identify priorities
within the five themes that will guide the next phase of strategy
development.

The steering committee is also trying to secure funds for additional
work-with the Regional Council approving a request that Carr send an
application for funding to the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Branding work for the strategy is also underway with a website
www.haltondrugstrategy.ca launched along with a social media presence
on Facebook and Twitter.

These communication tools are intended to help the steering committee
achieve their goal to continue to engage with stakeholders.

- - With files from Lisa Tallyn
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MAP posted-by: Matt