Wednesday, August 31, 2022
As Addictions Workers with HSN’s Crisis Intervention Services Team, Steven McCarthy and Kathryn Tiplady see the devastation of the opioid crisis in Sudbury up close every day.
For International Overdose Awareness Day, we spoke to them about why they chose to do this work and what they want the community to know about their clients.
Steven and Kathryn were both inspired to pursue this career path partly due to seeing loved ones struggle with addiction.
“I lost my stepdaughter to an opioid overdose a couple of years ago and I wanted to work in the field of addictions to heal and offer assistance to those living with an active addiction. I’ve seen and felt the devastation substances can have on a family and I wanted to try and help other families avoid that path,” says Kathryn.
Steven says he has always been saddened by the stigma and discrimination people who use substances face and how often it prevents them from seeking help with their struggles.
“The most rewarding part of our work for me is being able to help people connect with services and resources that can help them with their immediate needs.
Our community needs to understand that the homeless and those struggling with addictions are people just like you. They are often disregarded and ignored by society but they deserve respect and kindness. Sometimes just saying hello to someone can change their self-worth that day.
Kathryn and I are proud to be there for our clients and try to help them in any way we can. You never know what will give someone the courage to seek help and treatment,” says Steven.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please consider reaching out to HSN for information and support. You have options. You don’t have to go through this alone.
For crisis services 24/7, please visit www.crisishelp.ca/ or call 705-675-4760 or toll-free 1-877-841-1101.
If you or your loved one are not in immediate crisis but want more information on mental health and addictions services, please call the Central Intake line at 705-523-4988 or visit our website at https://hsnsudbury.ca/en/Services-and-Specialties/Mental-Health-and-Addictions
We can help get you through this.