Alcohol-related harms are on the rise in B.C. due to increasing levels of alcohol consumption. There is still a common misconception that these alcohol-related harms are restricted to the small number of individuals who frequently drink in excess or are dependent on alcohol (high-risk drinkers).
However, the majority of alcohol-related harm actually occurs amongst the much larger group of people who engage in moderate-risk drinking, occasional binge drinking and drinking in hazardous circumstances (e.g. before driving). The normalization of drinking alcohol can make this a challenging issue to examine and address.
Little House Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Society is hosting a dialogue in May with Delta residents on promoting a healthy drinking culture.
The dialogue will explore alcohol-related harms associated with moderate-risk drinking.The dialogue is a partnership between Little House and Fraser Health’s Healthier Communities program and funded by Community Action Initiative grant from the BC Alliance for Mental Health/Illness.
“Our goal is to work with our community partners, Delta residents, and service providers towards building a healthier drinking culture in Delta,” said Little House executive director Joni Wright. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with Fraser Health and look forward to engaging with the community at large on this project.”
Little House will be distributing a community-wide survey to collect data for the dialogue and are actively seeking individuals with lived-experience to participate in the dialogue. Other dialogue participants include representatives from local businesses, service agencies, and community partners.
“It takes a combined community effort including local businesses, municipality, community organizations, schools, health services and citizens especially those with lived experience to get involved, contribute and share their expertise to develop local priorities and solutions to community health issues,” added Sepia Sharma, community health specialist, Fraser Health. “This dialogue is a great way to bring individuals from all walks of life and perspectives together to discuss an important public health issue.”
If you are interested in participating in the dialogue or have any questions, email: [email protected].
The survey link is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WhatstheBigDealitsJustaFewDrinks and is available online until April 24.
