he college’s Harm Reduction day for the first time on Feb. 9. The event was held between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Representatives from Wabano Aboriginal Health Centre as well as Tungasuvvingat Inuit Centre were at the event.
Between 30 and 40 students showed up at Harm Reduction day, which is a satisfying number for Polly Leonard, the Harm Reduction Project Manager, as well as Amanda Neilson, the Harm Reduction Consultant.
The project’s goal is to inform students on the ways to reduce the effects of drug or alcohol consumption.
‘‘One of our main goals is also to be able to support all students at the college,’’ said Neilson.
Both Leonard and Neilson reached out to the Mamidosewin Centre to see what they could do to help the students at the centre.
‘‘We want to make the students’ lives better, whether it’s at school, at work or in their relationships,’’ added Neilson.
Phil Commonda, the centre’s Events Coordinator, thought this was a great opportunity for the students that come to the centre regularly.
According to Commonda, the students at Mamidosewin seem to respond better to less formal presentations, meaning the approach was much more friendly and personal. This approach made the students more comfortable to ask questions or seek information on the project.
For the centre, it is very important to reach out to the students as much as possible, which is why it hosts so many events.
“We were very happy to see that the centre was so positive about the idea of hosting Harm Reduction day. I think it was a good opportunity for us to see how students responded to the project and the information that was available to them,’’ said Leonard.
With the National College Health Assessment coming up in March, activities and events will occur all over the college.
As for the Mamidosewin Centre, it will be hosting an event on March 17 for students to come and gather information and eventually fill out the NCHA.
“I can’t stop them from making mistakes, but I do my part by giving them the information they need and the experiences I’ve been through to make sure that they know the risks,’’ said Commonda.
“I know what they’re going through,’’ he added, “and I want to help them make the right decisions.’’