May 22, 2009 - Today, the Health Unit announced it will begin the work of creating a municipal drug strategy for the City of Thunder Bay through funding received from Health Canada's Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Program.

“This is a very important step in reducing the harms associated with problematic substance use in our city,” says Rebecca Johnson, Chair of the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy Steering Committee.  “This new funding will enable us to create an integrated plan that is specific to Thunder Bay.”

A steering committee is currently being formed that will bring together organizations that address the issue of substance misuse from a variety of avenues. Current members include representatives from drug treatment organizations, law enforcement and justice systems, primary and secondary prevention agencies such as educational institutions, public health and outreach programs, and city councillors.

The steering committee plans to ensure that all members of the community have an opportunity to provide input through forums and consultations. The resulting municipal drug strategy will endeavor to address both public health and public order interests.

“A community that works together has great potential to increase the health of all its citizens,” Johnson said. “A coordinated drug strategy for the City of Thunder Bay will enable our community to work together in a more effective way to address the causes and effects of substance misuse.”

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