Source: pexel.com
The HKLN Drug Strategy has announced several featured speakers ahead of its upcoming regional symposium series focused on substance use, harm reduction and community collaboration, including a Northumberland focused session planned for Cobourg next month.
The first event takes place May 28 at the Victoria Park Armoury in Lindsay and will feature presentations and discussions involving healthcare providers, community organizations and people with lived experience.
Organizers confirmed speakers for the Lindsay session will include Lakelands Public Health Medical Officer of Health Dr. Thomas Piggott, Mary Sisson of the Haliburton Youth Wellness Hub, representatives from the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas and peer support specialists from CMHA Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge.
The symposium series, titled Connected Communities: A Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland Drug Strategy Conversation Series, focuses on the four pillars approach to substance use including prevention, treatment, harm reduction and community safety.
A second event specifically serving Northumberland County is scheduled for June 17 at the Best Western in Cobourg.
According to organizers, the symposiums are intended to bring together municipal leaders, service providers, healthcare organizations, community agencies and residents to strengthen coordinated responses to substance use across the region.
The day long sessions will include expert presentations, panel discussions, facilitated breakout sessions and networking opportunities.
HKLN Drug Strategy Coordinator Ashley Smoke previously said the events are designed to help communities identify service gaps, share successful approaches and improve collaboration across sectors responding to substance use and addictions.
Registration remains open for both the Lindsay and Cobourg sessions. For more information, contact Smoke at 437-778-2336 or hklndrugstrategy@parn.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
