Panel discusses opioid crisis

By Toyin Obatusin - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on October 31, 2024.

A panel on Tuesday at the Lethbridge Public Library was hosted by Alvin Mills, the founder of the Kii Maa Pii Pii Tsin deep healing recovery camps and renewal centre, to discuss the current Opioid emergency in southern Alberta.
The event called “Collaboration of Service Providers: Panel Discussion on the Opioid Crisis” had several panel members including Robin James, chief administration officer for Lethbridge Housing Authority; Malori Merric who had lived experience; Mikala Dalton, street level outreach; Shane Kissinger, manager of the Watch; Roger Prairie Chicken, an Elder for the Blood Tribe; Kirby Many Finger from Kainaiwaa Children Services; and Herald reporter Alexandra Noad.
Kissinger said that in 2023 the Watch responded to a total of 75 opioid overdoses and 66 uses of Narcan sprays.
Arguments presented by audience members were based around a limited amount of law enforcement coverage in the downtown area and a limited number of supplies to combat drug abuse and overdose.
Multiple questions were raised by the audience regarding the new 30-unit supportive housing project being built by Lethbridge Housing Authority at 416 Stafford Drive North.
James says the facility will be a one of a kind facility to help assist with those seeking recovery.
“This is an exciting feat being the first of its kind here, with the goal of the new facility to provide residents with stable, recovery-oriented and affordable individual suites, which will have on-site and community-based services to help them regain stability and maintain housing,” said James
Emphasizing the importance of recognizing that most opioid addicts are human beings and circumstances of homeless and drug abuse are usually brought on by intergenerational trauma, Herald reporter Noad told the audience that respect should be given to those who are struggling to regain confidence in themselves and the ability to rehabilitate.
The narrative given to those who may have drug addictions and/or substance abuse is negative and should be reevaluated.
In order to regain control of the situation at hand, people would have to dig deep into the whys of the crisis. Recognition that addiction is a brain disease is of immediate importance, the audience heard.
James also spoke about the acquisition of the Lethbridge Shelter and Resource Centre, with funding from the provincial government allotted for the expansion of 125 new beds and brand-new programs.
The space originally was the home of a fitness facility and was not built to have been a shelter.
“It will be renovated with an open concept space which gives staff the ability to view all the mats within that space,” said James.
They will be able to do checks and other responsibilities within a safe and controlled environment.
The previous shelter space will be used for programming to help the Blood Tribe Department of Health. Although programs have not yet been created, they will be based on the needs of the tribe.
Although the topic at hand was the opioid crisis, most discussions were based around rehabilitation, housing, safety and supplies.
Panel member Merric shone light on the City of Calgary having established many shelters, housing and other resources to assist in fighting against homelessness and drug abuse, but Lethbridge having limited housing and resources.
James noted there is a focus on immediate solutions to assist first responders and volunteers in keeping the streets of Lethbridge safe.
Mills will be hosting another information session with the theme of “Tribute to Recovery” on Friday Nov. 1 from 12-4 p.m. at Southminister United Church. All are welcome to join and Frybread will be served.

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