This session of the “Conference Virtual Reboot Series” is offered by Joëlle Samson, Library Manager, Campbell River with the Vancouver Island Regional Library. Please note that the session will be recorded and available to participants for 3 months via Vimeo.
Description: “Community Conversations: Creating a Safe Space for Discussion about the Toxic Drug Crisis” is based on a series of six weekly conversation panels led by service providers who work in the community centering on the toxic drug crisis with The Campbell River Library and the Campbell River Community Action Team that started in Fall 2023.
The Campbell River Library is located in the downtown core of the city, which is home to a visibly large, unhoused community. Although over 50% of toxic drug poisonings in Campbell River occur in peoples’ homes, the visibility of the downtown unsheltered population has spurred a lot of misinformation and political strife in the city. In the first 8 months of 2023, 31 people in Campbell River died from the toxic drug crisis. Campbell River is among the top 10 most affected regions in the province, when considering population based toxic drug poisoning rates. The panel series was created to help dispel myths about the toxic drug crisis that perpetuate in the community. The conversation series created a safe space for community members to ask their questions, and receive accurate and evidence based information about select topics related to the toxic drug crisis. Service organizations were invited to form a panel for each topic. Topics included Decriminalization & Rights, Stigma & Trauma, Harm Reduction, and Community Wellness. This session will cover how Community Conversations was developed, the successes and lessons learned from the series, and plans for future events.
When: Wednesday. September 25th at 3pm-4:15pm on Zoom
*Registration is now closed
Who should attend: All library workers