HRI Talks - Why Community Matters: The Role of Connection in Substance Use Health

Why Community Matters: The Role of Connection in Substance Use Health (HRI Talks, March 23, 2023)

0:00 Intro
0:38 Welcome Remarks by moderator Dr. Roy Cameron
5:35 Screening of short film "Hi, Daniel", written by Garrett Smith of Ward 1 Studios
10:35 Panelist remarks by Garrett Smith
15:12 Panelist remarks by Dr. Onawa LaBelle
19:17 Panelist remarks by Shawn Fisk
24:04 Live Q&A with moderator and panelists
53:35 Thanks and Closing Remarks

“The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety - it’s connection.” Johann Hari, author and journalist.

Why does having the support of a community affect a person’s journey to wellness? Learn about the latest research on the importance of community for people living with substance use issues.

In this HRI Talk, our panelists explore the critical role of social support and connection in substance use health. We discuss how reducing stigma, and increasing empathy, can have an immensely positive effect on the health and wellness of people living with substance use issues.

This moderated discussion also includes a live Q&A with audience members.

Objectives:
- Explore research on the healing power of community and connection.
- Learn about the principle of substance use health and its relationship to destigmatization and barrier-free care.
- Share the story of a Guelph-based filmmaker who, with the support of his community, uses art to explore his journey to wellness.

Featuring:
Dr. Onawa LaBelle, HRI Collaborating Scientist, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Windsor
Shawn Fisk, Systems Stigma Navigator, Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA)
Garrett Smith, Director of Photography, Ward 1 Studios, person with lived experience
Moderator: Roy Cameron, past Executive Director of Homewood Research Institute

Thank you to our sponsors, CIBC, KPMG, and the Otsuka-Lundbeck alliance, for their support on our HRI Talks series!