Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Lloydminster was proud to present Opioids Don’t Discriminate, an interactive exhibit designed to educate and help spread awareness on opioid addiction. This travelling exhibit was developed by Strathcona County FCSS and we shared our version of it with local and regional attendees.
Attendees walked in the shoes of three fictional individuals impacted by opioid misuse; based on real-life experiences. The exhibit addresses the stigma and judgements about people who use and are affected by drugs. It provides information about the complex issue of opioids, including the impacts, the science behind addiction, prevention and available supports.
*Proof of vaccination was required in order to attend. Once inside, mandatory masking and sanitization was required to ensure that all visitors stay safe while taking part in the interactive exhibit.
Where: Centennial Civic Centre Auditorium
When: November 2-7, 2021
Opening Ceremony
We went live via Facebook for the opening ceremony of Opioids Don't Discriminate on Tuesday, November 2.
- Welcome from the MC, Amber Fast, Community Development Coordinator for the City of Lloydminster.
- Introduction to the Exhibit from Mayor Gerald Albers
- Local perspective on the Opioid Crisis from Tyler Lorenz, Executive Director of Residents in Recovery
- Mental health, addiction and the importance of community speech from Lorelee Marin, City Councillor and Health Promotion Facilitator of Alberta Mental Health & Addiction
- Closing comments from the MC, Amber Fast
Watch the Facebook live recording
Keynote Speaker-Petra Schulz
Petra Schulz lost her youngest child Danny to an accidental fentanyl overdose in 2014. Through the lessons learned from her personal experience and by sharing Danny's story over the years, Petra has become an advocate for drug policy reform aimed at reducing the harm associated with substance use. She is a founder of Moms Stop The Harm and she has presented at many different conferences and events.
Watch the virtual keynote presentation recording
Closing Ceremony
The ceremony included powerful stories from attendees of the Resident’s in Recovery program and two representatives from Ekweskeet Healing Lodge in Onion Lake who have helped countless people in their recovery journey. Speakers included:
- Cordillia Shortt
- Thomas Daniels
- Chelsey Hart
- Earl Thomas
- Glenda Wolfe