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Our Programs |
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A hangover may be the least of your worries: FOCUS
communities across Ontario are implementing a province-wide campaign to
raise awareness about alcohol and chronic disease, including the risk of
stroke. Drinking more than 1-2 drinks per day and binge drinking (more than
5 drinks at one time) can double the risk of ischemic stroke and increase
the risk of hemorrhagic stroke two to three times. Alcohol use at these
levels increases the risk of stroke by raising the blood pressure and
contributing to obesity.
To learn more... |
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Racing Against Drugs: RACING
AGAINST DRUGS is a community-based program developed in partnership with members from
the London Detachment of the R.C.M.P., the Ford Motor Company of Canada and the former
City of London Board of Education. This program uses the theme of sport car racing,
which has no room for error and zero tolerance for drug and alcohol use. This
initiative targets grade 5 and 6 students across the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark
Counties. It takes place in the spring of each year and alternates between Brockville and
Smiths Falls. We reach approximately 1800 students each year and partner with
about 50 community agencies and businesses to put this event on.
To
learn more... |
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): We work with the
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Coalition of Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark.
We have developed two pamphlets (one addresses alcohol and pregnancy and our
newest and still yet to be printed addresses issues that arise when you work
or live with an affected individual). To
learn more... |
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Seniors: The Renfrew County District FOCUS Community Project
and the Smiths Falls FOCUS Community Coalition have created an annual STAY SAFE
Calendar for Older Adults. It has been created for the last several years and has been
distributed across the province. We also hold Senior Symposiums, where we bring older
adults together to address a number of issues, especially those associated with
medication use and abuse. In the fall we work closely with the Leeds, Grenville and
Lanark District Health Unit to conduct a Medicine Clean Out campaign. Lastly, the
FOCUS group works closely with the Older and Wiser Committee to create and updated
resource binder for older adults. This year we are hoping to revisit this binder and
explore a more friendly and efficient way of handling it.
To
learn more... |
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Drug Awareness Week (third week of
November): Drug Awareness Week began in 1987. The date is typically the
third week of November and is officially set each year by the Nechi
Institute. The Ontario Drug Awareness Partnership in conjunction with the
many Drug Awareness Committees across the Province work together to promote
and facilitate communication and information sharing about alcohol and other
drugs. The campaign centres on the talk theme and encourages families,
friends and communities to break down the barriers of communication and
begin an open and transparent dialogue on the issues associated with
substance abuse. The Smiths Falls FOCUS Community Coalition has participated
in this week for the last seven years. The group takes on the responsibility
of the Drug Awareness Committee for the local area and implements programs
and disseminates material keeping with the theme of the week. To learn more
check out
www.odap.org and our school program section |
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Youth: We work closely with the three youth centres in our
area (Perth, Smiths Falls, and Merrickville). We fund several programs within their
organizations such as, after school and summer time activities. We also work with area
high schools and the Health Unit to bring a program called "Party Survival" to grade
11 students. This is a harm reduction model (safe partying) that has been extremely
successful over the past two years. The Smiths Falls FOCUS Community Coalition has
also been a strong advocate for the funding opportunities for these Youth Centres.
Research is readily available to support the claim that youth that participate in
these centres engage in less risky behaviour1.
1. Voakes, L., & Oliver, E., Behaviour Changes in Youth Participants
at Youth Centres, Smiths Falls: TYPS, 2004
SMITHS FALLS FOCUS COMMUNITY COALITION YOUTH CENTRES GRANT
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
2007/2008 >>>
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Community Networking: We participate
in Festivals, such as the
Chocolate
Railway Festival and Turkey Fest. We also play an active role with
the Community Character Initiative that is being spearheaded by the Town of
Smiths Falls. The program allows us to further our message through local
media, events, promotional items, and resources. |
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Workplace: We offer workshops and training to employers and
employees regarding workplace alcohol and drug policies.
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For more information:
Lucia Taggart
Smiths Falls FOCUS Coordinator /
Public Health Nurse
52 Abbott St., N., Unit #2
Smiths Falls, Ontario, K7A 1W3
p 613-283-2740
f 613-283-1679
Lucia.Taggart@healthunit.org |
