The Addictions Don't Discriminate exhibit is on display at the Esplanade until Saturday. The exhibit is open from noon to 5 p.m. with extended hours on evenings of Esplanade events.--NEWS PHOTO SAMANTHA JOHNSON
reporter@medicinehatnews.com
Addictions Don’t Discriminate, an interactive exhibit located on the second floor of the Esplanade, opened Tuesday. It has large, easy-to-read display boards telling the stories of six individuals who experienced addiction with photos and images to complement. Journey maps for each individual are also on display where their struggles are told through graphic novel images and speech bubbles.
Additionally, other boards provide statistics and information about addiction and available resources. QR codes are dotted throughout the exhibit that can be scanned for more information or to watch videos. Multiple tables are set up with information available on the many community resources available.
Naloxone training is being offered in the Cutbanks room along with snacks and beverages. Volunteers from the Medicine Hat Drug Coalition are on hand to greet those coming to view the exhibit, guide them to the pre and post exhibit survey and tell them about the door prizes available.
It is a self-guided exhibit and, if all the boards are read and videos watched, will take about an hour. Organizers call it an informative experience, taking the viewer on a journey toward gaining a better understanding of addiction.
The exhibit coincides with National Addictions Awareness week and will be on display until Nov. 25. Admission is free with hours of noon to 5 p.m. and extended hours on the evenings of Esplanade events. The exhibit is being hosted by The Medicine Hat Drug Coalition in partnership with the City of Medicine Hat and Medicine Hat Community Housing Society.
