According to the Public Health Agency of Canada a total of 1,904 apparent opioid toxicity deaths occurred between January-March 2023. This is an average of 21 deaths per day making overdoses a public health crisis.

On Tuesday, November 21, 2023 the Kingsville Community Centre and Town of Kingsville are hosting “Not In My Town” a FREE symposium that will include people with lived experience sharing their stories of addiction. The evening will also include a presentation from Dr. Peter Farago on the impact and dangers that substances like fentanyl present.

Additionally, the evening also includes Naloxone training and community resources that are available. The event is being held at Grovedale, 103 Park St., Kingsville.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event starts at 6:00 p.m. Refreshments are being provided by the Southshore Rotary Club.

The event has been jointly organized by several community organizations and healthcare providers who recognize the importance in bringing awareness to this health crisis. This includes Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch, Town of Kingsville, Windsor Essex Community Health Centre and more.

Not In My Town is targeted to parents and adolescents, but all are welcome to attend. Any organization/agency that would like to have a resource table can contact Kimberly DeYong to at kim@kingsvillecentre.com. Additionally, those interested in Naloxone training should also contact Kimberly.

The number of youth suffering from severe, life-threatening overdoses is increasing and has become the leading cause of death in children 10 to 18 years of age in Western Canada.

“We know that youth continue to struggle with their mental health at an alarming rate,” says Kim Willis, Director, Communications and Mental Health Promotion, Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch.

“Some are turning to substances to deal with anxiety, stress and depression. Our goal with events like this is to highlight the impact of these substances when misused and to encourage conversations amongst parents, adolescents and educators.”

“We have 12 organizations attending so far that offer local services and programs to individuals experiencing mental health and addiction concerns.” said DeYong “I’m hearing from parents and caregivers that they don’t know where to turn and this event is sure to give them the resources they need to help their loved ones.”

For more information please visit, https://www.kingsvillecentre.com/notinmytown

Kimberly DeYong is Deputy Mayor of Kingsville and Program Director for Kingsville Community Centre