May 10, 2017 - The Thunder Bay Drug Strategy (TBDS) hosted an open house last night at the Italian Cultural Centre for residents interested in learning more about and having input into the new draft strategic plan.

Building a Better Tomorrow 2017-2021 is a collaborative, cross-sector response that aims to improve the health and well-being of all citizens in Thunder Bay.

The session included an overview of the current landscape of substance use and related harms, followed by round table discussions on the newest draft recommendations.

"By framing the strategy through the five pillars of Prevention, Treatment, Harm Reduction, Housing and Enforcement, we are hoping to gather a diverse response that will cover the continuum of needs within the community," said Cynthia Olsen, TBDS Coordinator.

The TBDS has modified the traditional four pillar framework used by many municipal drug strategies across Canada, and has added a fifth pillar in a comprehensive approach to addressing substance related harms for individuals, families and communities.

The plan recommends all stakeholders are involved in the design, monitoring and evaluation of recommended action, and that each pillar is an interlinking part of the continuum of care.

"Building a Better Tomorrow recognizes that improving the social determinants of health is a critical factor in addressing substance related harms," added Olsen. "It also recommends enhancements to the continuum of services and interventions in Thunder Bay, the district and region that provide support to individuals with substance use issues, as well as expanding prevention and harm reduction initiatives in the community."

The plan will be presented to City Council in early summer for approval.

Residents can review the plan and provide comments until May 12 at: www.thunderbaydrugstrategy.ca

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Contact: Cynthia Olsen, Coordinator - Thunder Bay Drug Strategy, 625-2942