Substance abuse and addiction are ongoing issues facing youth in Manitoba. Approaches to drug prevention that are evidence-based can have a significant impact on reducing youth substance abuse can improve overall health and well-being of young people.
Jewish Child and Family Service (JCFS) is spearheading Opening the Door: Conversations about Addiction, a conference featuring national and international speakers.
The event kicks off on Thursday evening, March 20th, 2014, with Addiction in the Family: You’re Not Alone. New York Times bestselling author, journalist and father, David Sheff, shares the stage with his son Nic, also a bestselling author, to chronicle their family’s heartbreaking and hopeful journey through Nic’s addiction. The presentation is open to the public and the evening will include a Resource Fair and book signing.
This conference takes place at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, 561 Welllington Crescent, 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm) and will be hosted by Marcy Markusa of CBC’s Information Radio. Tickets are $20.00 for adults, $10.00 for students, and are available at the door or online through Eventbrite.
Friday, March 21st, 2014, will be an educational day geared toward a broad cross section of professionals, including school counselors, educators, social workers, clergy, nurses, physicians, as well as people working in the justice system.
The morning will feature keynote addresses by Dr. Paul Garfinkel, renowned psychiatrist from the Centre for Addictions and and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto and David Sheff. There will also be a panel discussion on “Perspectives on Treatment: What Works and What Doesn’t“. The afternoon will include presentations by local experts on a variety of addiction issues as well as personal stories of recovery. This event will take place at the RBC Convention Centre, 375 York Avenue, from 8:30am-4:30pm. Registration is available through Eventbrite or by contacting JCFS at 204.477.7430.
Concurrently, on Friday morning, March 21, 2014 at a free Youth Forum, Nic Sheff will address grade 9 & 10 students. He will share his personal experience and journey from marijuana experimentation to crystal meth addiction. The event will be moderated by Chrissy Troy, from Virgin Radio.
For more information, contact hzimmer@jcfswinnipeg.org or at 204.477.7435.
