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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As we all slow down for the summer, it is good to know that some progress is being made on the drug policy front. It is good to see medical organizations such as the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM) and the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) supporting the decriminalization of drugs for personal use. Doctors for Decriminalization now exists! We are making headway.

There is evidence that the safer supply programs may not be working as intended. Stay tuned for announcements out of BC in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, I hope everyone has a peaceful summer.

Angie Hamilton

NEWS & UPDATES

FAR Submission to Toronto Board of Health Meeting June 14th: Toronto Overdose Action Plan: Status Report 2021

At a meeting of Toronto’s Board of Health on June 14th, FAR requested an amendment to the Board recommendations to the federal Minister of Health to clarify that decriminalization of drugs should be at the national level and not on a city-by-city basis. Our request was denied. Read the submission here

Editorial: A national opioid death crisis requires a national response with decriminalization

Great to see the Toronto Star making the same point our Executive Director made during her deputation at the Toronto Board of Health Meeting June 14th. Canada must #decriminalize nationally, not on a city by city basis. We have over 5,000 municipalities! Read More

FAR Presentation to the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) Social Workers

In June, Louise Lemieux White and one of our parent peer supporters Lisa Gibbs, gave a presentation to the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) Social Workers on one of their education days. It was a great opportunity to have an honest conversation about the impact of addiction on families and the services FAR offers to parents.
Thank you to the TCDSB for reaching out to FAR!

Louise Lemieux White, Co-Founder of FAR and Registered Nurse, submitted a resolution to the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) AGM on June 25th regarding the decriminalization of the possession of illegal drugs
for personal use. The resolution passed.

This important initiative will be instrumental in driving change for our loved ones who struggle with problematic drug use.

Kelly Cutrara of Global News Radio 640 interviews

FAR’s Executive Director, Angie Hamilton, about efforts in Canada

to decriminalize drug possession for personal use

QOZ2oUUmwz4 of MSTH and Angie Hamilton of FAR discuss drug policy reform, harm reduction and protective health laws on the
Hard Knox Talks Podcast

Presenter: Elizabeth Hughes, Patient Advocate I Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
Overview: To provide a basic understanding of the law regarding consenting to treatment in a mental health setting, demystifying consent, capacity and substitute decision-making.

Register Here

NORS is an overdose prevention hotline for Canadians providing loving, confidential, nonjudgmental support for you, whenever and wherever you use drugs.

Access to 24/7 support is now available worldwide on the new BRAVE App. Download the App here

DONATE!

Marie Agioritishttps://youtu.be/QOZ2oUUmwz4 of MSTH and Angie Hamilton of FAR discuss drug policy reform, harm reduction and protective health laws on the Hard Knox Talks Podcast

Presenter: Elizabeth Hughes, Patient Advocate I Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office Overview: To provide a basic understanding of the law regarding consenting to treatment in a mental health setting, demystifying consent, capacity and substitute decision-making.

Marie Agioritishttps://youtu.be/QOZ2oUUmwz4 of MSTH and Angie Hamilton of FAR discuss drug policy reform, harm reduction and protective health laws on the
Hard Knox Talks Podcast

Presenter: Elizabeth Hughes, Patient Advocate I Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
Overview: To provide a basic understanding of the law regarding consenting to treatment in a mental health setting, demystifying consent, capacity and substitute decision-making.