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New Substance Use Program being launched to support 2SLGBTQ+ Community
Windsor Family Health Team (WFHT), Windsor Pride Community (WPC) and Family Services Windsor Essex (FSWE) is launching a new 2SLGBTQ+ One Team Recovery (OTR) Program this coming January 2023.
The inaugural launch of this additional program is targeted for January 10th,2023. This program will run two days a week from 1:00pm-4:30pm and participants who complete the program will receive a certificate of completion.
“We’re excited to offer OTR as a dedicated program for 2SLGBTQ+ community where participants can feel safe to have their recovery incorporate a focus on their unique challenges and needs which, the evidence tells us, will lead to better outcomes for their recovery” added Margo Reilly, Executive Director, WFHT.
Understanding the need and identifying a gap in local services for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals struggling with substance use, WFHT, in partnership with Windsor Pride Community, began adapting its existing OTR program through an affirmative care lens to create a program specific to the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
“People who identify within the 2SLGBTQ+ community often face social stigma, discrimination, and unique challenges specific to our community”, noted Colm Holmes, President, Windsor Pride Community. “These factors contribute to a high rate of substance use within our community, and the need for a dedicated response for the 2SLGBTQ+ population here in Windsor-Essex. Alongside our fantastic partners Windsor Family Health Team and Family Services Windsor-Essex, Windsor Pride is thrilled to be a part of the solution moving forward. Providing 2SLGBTQ+ specific recovery services is an evidence-based way of ensuring our communities needs are met.”
Some research suggests that 2SLGBTQ+ community members use alcohol, tobacco and other substances at a rate of 2 to 4 times higher than heterosexual people. Research also identifies that the 2SLGBTQ+ population has unique needs when dealing with addictions and would benefit from dedicated services.
“We believe that addiction is an experience and not your identity”, said Elizabeth Lalonde, Addictions Counselor, WFHT. “We avoid using labels such as “addicts” or “alcoholics” and instead use our unique multi-disciplinary psychoeducational, evidenced-based model to empower individuals to own their recovery”.
In 2019 Windsor Team Care Centre (a program of WFHT) developed a 5-week, closed, outpatient substance use program supporting clients 16+, called One Team Recovery (OTR). OTR is an evidence based, SMART Recovery informed model of care and is a non-spiritual, non-faith-based alternative to 12-step programs. OTR is also trauma informed and aims to provide a safe space for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Along with the 5-week program, OTR includes a 6-week After Care program and a 3-week Family & Friends program. OTR is delivered in partnership, with Certified Canadian Addictions Counselors and/or Registered Social Workers from Windsor Essex Community Health Centre (WECHC), Essex County Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic (ECNPLC), and Erie Shores Family Health Team, providing sessions year-round in Windsor and Essex County as well as virtually.
Individuals who would like to register can self-refer by calling 519-250-5524 or visiting https://windsortcc.ca/programs-services/one-team-recovery-substance-abuse-program/ and downloading the program application. Health and social service providers can also refer through the Ocean e-Referral platform.
For more information visit: www.windsortcc.ca.
Contact Information:
Windsor Family Health Team
Margo Reilly, Executive Director
Phone Number: 519- 250-5656 x201
Email: mreilly@windsorfht.ca
Colm Holmes
President, Windsor Pride Community
Phone Number: 519-966-5010 x 1080
Email: caholmes@wehc.ca