Two years after coming together to warn the community about the dangers of crystal meth, the Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee is winding up and reflecting on its accomplishments.
The committee (MJCMSC) formed in 2019 and secured funding from two provincial programs to conduct a prevention and awareness campaign in 2021, explained public relations co-ordinator Mary Lee Booth. The committee’s goal was to inform residents about the harmful effects of meth and target parents and educators so they could be more comfortable speaking with youths about crystal meth and other drugs.
The objectives of the committee — composed of residents and human service organizations, with the Moose Jaw Police Service as the lead organization — were to stimulate conversations that dispelled myths, addressed stigma associated with addictions and informed residents about resources and supports.
Since the MJCMSC’s prevention and awareness campaign concludes Dec. 31, the group summarized its activities and celebrated its accomplishments since March.
Documentaries
The committee worked with Shaw Spotlight this year to produce two locally filmed videos featuring former meth users and families affected by loved ones’ drug use.
The first video, “Stop Mething Around,” was released in June and featured stories from two people with experience of crystal meth addiction. The video has since racked up over 9,000 views.
Following that documentary, the committee received comments on social media about the need for support and information for families of people affected by meth, Booth said. So, the committee and Shaw produced “Stop Mething Around: A Family Affair” and released it in November.
Both videos can be found on YouTube.
Presentations
The committee — particularly Booth — gave several presentations to community groups, organizations and staff meetings throughout the year. One presentation, “Spread the word on meth,” outlined the facts about crystal meth and was delivered 15 times.
Meanwhile, “Meagan’s Journey,” a powerful story about a young woman who experienced a crystal meth addiction, was delivered in person to 25 classrooms in Moose Jaw and the area throughout the year.
Awareness weeks
The Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee honoured Crystal Meth Awareness Week from June 6 to 12 by giving community presentations and launching “Stop Mething Around.” It also acknowledged National Addictions Awareness Week from Nov. 21 to 27 and helped lead several events, activities, and presentations, and launched the sequel to “Stop Mething Around.”
The group also recognized National Meth Awareness Day on Nov. 30.
Meanwhile, the committee used social media and its website to promote awareness about crystal meth. The website contains PowerPoint presentations, a parent toolkit, links to both videos, Grade 9 health lesson plans, and two recorded presentations.
Booth thanked many of the community agencies involved in the committee and commended them for recognizing the need to address crystal meth.
Those groups included the police service, Thunder Creek Rehabilitation Association (Wakamow Manor Detox), Moose Jaw Literacy Network, transition house, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Medavie Health Services West, both school divisions, city council and family services.
“While the MJCMSC will conclude, there is a commitment from partners to address community concerns regarding addictions or other issues requiring a multi-sectoral approach as the issues are brought forward,” said Booth. “Many issues, including addictions, impact the community and the work of several sectors, and require an interagency approach to finding solutions.”
Community supports
There are many community resources available to people struggling with addictions or family members with loved ones experiencing addictions, she continued.
Wakamow Detox Manor offers a safe withdrawal management program with 20 beds. Two extra beds are available for people waiting for a treatment centre. For more information, call 306-694-4030.
Mental health and addictions services has a centralized intake that will discuss concerns of individuals or family members and determine the appropriate response to the request, which may include individual or group services. Call 306-691-6464 for information.
Crescent View Clinic — located at 131 First Avenue Northwest — provides needle exchanges and safe inhalation supplies, as well as take-home Naloxone kits, HIV, hepatitis and STD testing, a methadone clinic and education and information services. Call 306-691-2040 for information.
One available peer group is Narcotics Anonymous on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. in the basement of the Salvation Army office on First Avenue Northwest. Another peer group is Nar-Anon for family members, which meets at the Alliance Church on Mondays at 7 p.m.
Booth added that the resources on the committee’s webpage would continue to be available.
