2024 Mental Health and Addictions Symposium

Co-hosted by the North Central Local Government Association, the Lheidli T'enneh, the City of Prince George and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, the 2024 Mental Health and Addictions Symposium was held on November 13 and 14 in Prince George, BC.

A diverse group of professionals, advocates, and thought leaders in the field of mental health and addictions convened for the inaugural Mental Health and Addictions Symposium, held on November 13 and 14, 2024, in Prince George. Through knowledge-sharing, collaborative discussions, and shared learning, the event fostered a collective effort to drive meaningful change in mental health and addictions outcomes across communities in Northern and Central BC.

The Symposium spotlighted community-driven solutions, showcased innovative projects and tools, and facilitated relationship building. Participants explored collaborative strategies to align efforts with regionally shared visions and goals, further strengthening partnerships and coordination.

The event attracted over 300 participants, including representatives from mental health and addictions service organizations, health authorities, law enforcement, school districts, Indigenous leaders, and elected officials. Notably, 40 elected local government officials from the NCLGA operating area were in attendance, underscoring the significance of local government engagement in addressing these critical issues.

14 Tradeshow booths in the main hall provided a valuable platform for local organizations and agencies to showcase their work, exchange ideas, and establish connections with Symposium participants, enhancing the event’s impact.

The signing of the Mental Health and Addictions Accord was a highlight of the event, recognized the commitment of organizations and local governments to collaboratively addressing mental health and addictions challenges in Northern and Central British Columbia.
Learn more about the Accord here

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Key Themes

The Symposium featured broad discussions and interactive information sharing sessions. Key themes that emerged repeatedly throughout the event included:

The Value of Connection and Community Support: Emphasizing the critical role of peer support, social networks, and community or online support groups in fostering mental health and well-being
Breaking Down Stigma: Highlighting the need to challenge stereotypes and reduce stigma surrounding mental health and addictions
Trauma-Informed and Culturally-Informed Practices: Stressing the importance of increased trauma healing solutions and integrating culturally-informed approaches tailored for communities in Northern and Central BC
Shared Understanding and Language: Advocating for clarity in terminologies and addressing harmful language, such as distinguishing between “safe supply” and “harm reduction”
Investment in Preventative Measures: Calling for greater investment in accessible community-level support and recovery-oriented care to prevent mental health crises
Collaboration Across Governments: Recognizing the importance of active participation and collaboration among local, provincial, Indigenous, and federal officials to develop and implement actionable solutions
Self-Care for Leaders: Highlighting the need for leaders to prioritize self-care and foster emotional intelligence to better integrate experiences and create healthy support systems
Commitment to the Accord: Encouraging leaders to endorse the Accord as a guiding framework for future collaborative efforts among agencies and governments to achieve a shared vision
Urgency of Action: Emphasizing that the time to act is now, with a proactive approach to addressing community challenges
Sharing Local Success Stories and Challenges: Highlighting the importance of exchanging local insights to build a stronger regional understanding of both the successes and the work that lies ahead.

to learn more about the 2024 Symposium, see the December 2024 NCLGA Newsletter

Keynote Speaker
Corey Hirsch, former NHL goaltender, coach and Olympic Games silver medalist

Corey Hirsch delivered a powerful and deeply personal keynote presentation on mental health, sharing his journey through challenges, recovery, and growth. Drawing from his lived experience, Corey highlighted the importance of breaking the silence surrounding mental health struggles and the need for genuine connection and support.

One of his key messages, “We need to get into people’s business!”, emphasized the critical role of proactive engagement—reaching out, asking questions, and offering support to those who may be struggling. His candid and heartfelt insights served as a call to action for participants, reminding everyone of the profound impact that compassion, awareness, and shared responsibility can have in transforming mental health outcomes.

Resources

Symposium participants were given access to Symposium presentations and presenter contact information via email (contact .for more info)
Watch the 52 minute video of interviews conducted by Auroara Leigh, for Simply Thriving in the North, which airs biweekly on Shaw TV and Rogers TV community channels from Williams Lake to Fort St. John, reaching across Northern BC.

Interviewees include:
- Mayor Simon Yu – City of Prince George
- Tiego Santos, Mental Health Case Manager, Connective Prince George
- Kyle Sam, Community Relations Coordinator, Dudes Club
- Melissa Bloodoff, Supervisor, Intersect Youth & Family Services
- Mike Skrypnek, Stigma-Free Mental Health Society
- Leah Martin, Emotional Success Coach