The Portage Friendship Centre (PFC) is gearing up for Addictions Awareness Week. Diane Thiessen is the Insight Mentor Manager with PFC and explains the purpose of the week is to increase awareness about addiction as well as the resources available. She adds, because of the growing problem in our area with meth and other opiates, they believe it is vital to help the community become aware of the resources that are here to help. Thiessen notes the resources available are not chiefly for those who are struggling with addiction themselves but offer support to those who are affected by addiction in some way. 

Thiessen discloses throughout the week many activities and events will be taking place. Speakers from the Indigenous Therapeutic Services, Long Plains Health Services, and Narcotics Anonymous will be speaking with students. On Tuesday, an information session will be held at PCI. Thiessen stresses though the event is aimed toward youth, the event on Tuesday is also for the public. She invites anyone looking for addiction resources to attend the event.

The PFC has worked with the Portage la Prairie School Division to make sure students can come to the events. Classes are able to come out with their teachers to learn all about addiction and the resources that are available locally.