A Richmond pastor is organizing an event this Saturday to turn stigma against people struggling with addictions, homelessness and mental health issues into support.
The event at St. Alban’s Anglican Church is called “Together, from Stigma to Support” and will feature a panel discussion, keynote speakers and information tables.
Through “learning and listening,” Rev. Bill Mok of 360 Community hopes to break down barriers and reduce stigma for vulnerable Richmond residents.
Mok told the Richmond News everyone is welcome to attend the event.
There is a lot of stigma towards people with substance-use disorders and those who are homeless, he said, and some of this is caused by people’s “political agendas.”
“If we can learn together, we can work together,” he added.
The event begins with a hoop dancing performance by Jay Genaille on the front lawn of the church. The program begins at 1:30 p.m. and the first keynote speaker, Heather Tunold, will speak about the principles and practices of harm reduction.
After a break, there will be a panel discussion with four speakers.
This includes Carmen Verdicchio who is a peer research assistant with the At-Risk Youth Study and who is herself in recovery.
Hayley Blanck, a youth advocate with experience trying to navigate substance use and recovery, is also on the panel as is Traci Letts, B.C. president of Moms Stop the Harm who will speak about losing a child to an overdose.
The fourth member of the panel is Lauren Smart with Foundry Richmond who uses a trauma-informed and an art-based lens when working with youth and families, and rounding out the panel is Jas Grewal with Richmond Addiction Services Society.
The second keynote speaker, at 3:45 p.m., is Garth Mullins, who hosts the podcast Crackdown and has recently published the book Crackdown: Surviving and Resisting the War on Drugs.
Following Mullins’ keynote speech, a “participatory moment” will take place for participants to reflect on what they’ve learned and share with others.
Final remarks will be given at 4:30 p.m., after which there will be time for informal mingling, checking out the resource tables and light refreshments.
Vancouver Coastal Health will be training attendees to use naloxone kits, which are used to reverse an opioid overdose. They will also be giving out free kits.
Also at the event will be BC Schizophrenia Society, Turning Point Recovery Society, Richmond Public Library, Curtis’ Dream and Dialogue Richmond.
"Together, from Stigma to Support" runs on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 1 to 5 p.m. at St. Alban’s Anglican Church, 7260 St. Albans Rd.
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