CMHA HKPR puts a focus on addictions for Bell Let’s Talk

Jan 24, 2024

(Peterborough Jan. 24, 2024) – The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) joins in the world’s largest conversation around mental health this Bell Let’s Talk Day. This year’s theme is focused on creating real change and CMHA HKPR reminds individuals to include addictions in the conversation.

While the yearly conversation by Bell Let’s Talk has facilitated open and honest conversations about mental health issues, the stigma surrounding substance use and addictions remains. Stigma is one of the biggest barriers for people seeking and receiving treatment.

“We know that the country is facing a public health crisis with the opioid epidemic and we are seeing a rise in opioid poisonings and addictions issues in our community here in Peterborough,” says Ellen Watkins, who is taking the reigns as CMHA HKPR’s Chief Executive Officer in February.

The opioid crisis highlights the need for a corresponding increase in supports and services for those at risk. CMHA HKPR joins CMHAs across the province in supporting full funding of harm reduction approaches so that individuals can seek the best option for reducing use.

In addition to the opioid crisis, there is greater access to other substances such as alcohol and cannabis.
“We know that there is a strong link between mental health concerns and addictions. We encourage individuals to reach out for support if there is something that is inhibiting their ability to maintain a healthy life,” says Watkins.

Fast Facts:

People with a mental health issue are twice as likely to have a substance use issue compared to the general population.
From January 2023 to December 2023, 78 people died from drug poisonings in Peterborough. That is approximately one person every 5 days. (Peterborough Public Health)
In December of 2023, there were 42 opioid poisoning calls made to 9-1-1 in Peterborough and County. (Peterborough Public Health)

More than 15,000 Ontarians have died due to opioids since 2013.

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Caitlin Morris
Community Relations Specialist, CMHA HKPR
cmorris@cmhahkpr.ca
905-706-0511