Alberta’s ‘compassionate’ drug-policy

In this article, Donna Kennedy-Glans describes what she learned when she sat down with Dan Williams, Alberta’s mental health and addiction minister, to discuss Alberta’s “compassionate” drug plan. “The aim is to not just reduce the harm caused by drugs but to create the conditions for addicts to recover. In doing so, he [Williams] and others are helping to redefine what it means to be compassionate.”

All goes goes into effect on September 1, 2024. Are we ready?

A hefty harvest for the Calgary Food Bank

Tuesday, September 26th saw retirees from TransAlta harvesting what is likely to be a record-breaking yield. All of the produce will be donated to the Calgary Food Bank.

Photo from Pixabay

According to Fred Ritter, coordinator of the Get Growing Garden project, “‘It becomes more satisfying that we can play a part and help the needy folks, given the rising cost of food and so on, and folks out there struggling to put food on the table.'”

Click here to read the full story.

‘Everyone’s Someone’ to Me

In Alberta, there is much discussion taking place concerning addiction, overdose and treatment. Part of the reason for this because of how the provincial government has chosen to address these issues.

Not surprisingly, many people are not in favour of the direction the government is taking. One of these individuals is Bonnie Larson, a doctor who has worked with people experiencing homelessness for 15 years.

Photo from https://www.avera.org

According to Larson, “Alberta’s model is unique in that it excludes harm reduction from the continuum of care. As such, it is a system akin to an extension ladder that is missing the first 10 feet of rungs. Lacking entry-level steps that meet people where they are with non-judgmental care, patient-centredness and barrier-busting pragmatism, the ROSC ladder is impossible for most to even mount, let alone climb.”

Please consider reading Larson’s article, “They’ll Always Be Everyone’s Someone to Me.” It is time well spent.

Battle Won!

Photo from CTV news article.

Destiny Robinson-Cooke has been fighting for over six years to get benefits related to her service dog, Sasha. Finally, on June 28, 2023, her battle was won.  Nevertheless, as Robinson Cooke correctly states, “‘A disabled person should not have to fight for a benefit they are entitled to.'” Click here to read the full article.

Please watch: Involuntary Treatment

If you have not already watched this video, you may wish to do so.

An Angel…

Reading this story is a great way to start 2023. Among other things, this “angel” can serve as an inspiration as we begin this new year.

A thread worth reading

If your time is limited today and you can only read one Twitter thread, might I suggest this one? You are apt to find it of interest and time well spent.

Something to Check Out.

Date: Tuesday, Sept 27, 2022
Time: 11:30 – 4:30pm
Location: Red & White Club
McMahon Stadium
1833 Crowchild Trail NW

“As our population grows older, we are also seeing an influx of technologies designed to make our lives easier and keep us better connected. This half-day event, presented by the O’Brien Institute for Public Health Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging, the Canadian Frailty Network and AGE-WELL, will host leading researchers who are exploring how accessible and smart technologies are influencing our aging experiences. This free, public event will begin with a lunch and networking session, followed by an afternoon of interactive talks.”

Click here for more information.

Feeling Left Behind?

Every so often there is a Twitter thread that is a definite must read. This thread by Katie Babcock is one of them. In addition to the thread, you might want to read the comments by fellow Twitter users as well.