Harm reduction community meeting for Springhill

Nova Scotia Health is hosting a drop-in community wellness event on Wednesday, Dec. 13 in Springhill to provide support and share information on substance use harm reduction strategies.

In recent months, Springhill families have lost loved ones to opioid overdose. The impact of these tragic events has been felt throughout the community, and many have raised questions about what resources are available.

People of all ages are invited to attend a community wellness drop-in event hosted by Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Program and Public Health tomorrow (Wednesday), from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre (the Teen Centre) at 6 Main St. in Springhill.

Health promotion, outreach, nursing, and clinical staff will be on hand to:

• Provide support and information on harm reduction strategies and how people can connect to services
• Instruct on administering Naloxone and where to get free take home naloxone kits
• Offer light refreshments and listen to community members.

This afternoon session is designed to equip residents with the knowledge and resources to provide support to their fellow community members, if needed.

 -30-

Nova Scotians can self-refer to Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions program by calling the intake service (toll-free) 1-855-922-1122 to be connected to a clinician Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8 p.m. The intake service provides triage, screening, and navigation for programs offered through the Mental Health and Addictions program at Nova Scotia Health (and IWK). 

Access Wellness Nova Scotia is a free single-session supportive counselling service for individuals, couples, or families. Trained counsellors can help people manage stress, mild to moderate depression or anxiety, relationship issues, general mental health concerns, concerns related to alcohol and drug use, loss and more. Visit AccessWellnessNovaScotia.ca or call 1-833-691-2282 to make an appointment. 

The Peer Support Telephone Service is available to all Nova Scotians 18+ experiencing mild mental health and substance use concerns or who are feeling isolated, alone, anxious, distressed, or need someone to talk to who will listen with empathy and without judgment. The trained peer supporter will provide non-urgent social and emotional support, reassurance, encouragement to callers, and information regarding community services. Call toll-free at 1-800-307-1686. 

The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or someone concerned about them—call (toll-free) 1-888-429-8167. 

Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions program (MHAP) has free e-Mental Health and Addictions tools available to all Nova Scotians. These tools include:

Tranquility – Free support for people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Tranquility can be completed at your own pace with the support of a coach. 

Mindwell U - Free online support that takes just five minutes daily and can be accessed anywhere and on any device. This service is available in English and French. 

Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) – Free and private online resource that includes interactive activities and videos for people having challenges with their mental health. This service is available in English and French. 

Gambling Support Network – Online support for those experiencing gambling problems and harms. 

Wellness Together Canada – Mental health and substance abuse support that contains free online resources, tools, apps, and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals when needed. 

Togetherall – Free and safe online peer-to-peer mental health community that empowers individuals to anonymously seek and provide support 24/7. It is available to all youth and young adults aged 16-29, providing an inclusive and supportive place to connect with others with real lived experience with common mental health concerns. To sign up, register at togetherall.com and use your Nova Scotia postal code. 

Visit Mental Health and Addiction’s program website, http://MHAhelpNS.ca, to learn more about our services, resources, and tools. 

To learn more about the provincial Take Home Naloxone Program, please visit: http://www.nsnaloxone.com/