The Crystal Meth Crisis: Impact on First Nations Children
Episode Overview
Children as young as nine are using crystal meth.
Newborns are being born addicted with severe health issues.
Extended hospital stays and overwhelmed child welfare systems.
Community efforts include harm reduction campaigns and health fairs.
Need for culturally relevant mental health services.
The crisis is felt not only in youth using crystal meth, but also young children that are the age of nine and ten years old that are using crystal meth
Barbara Michel joins Carol Hopkins on Mino Bimaadiziwin to tackle the pressing issue of the crystal meth crisis in Saskatchewan's First Nations communities. Barbara, a Cree from Deschambault Lake and Thunderbird’s Regional Coordinator for Saskatchewan, brings her extensive experience in social services to shed light on the devastating impact of crystal meth on children. The episode dives into alarming statistics, revealing that even children as young as nine are using crystal meth.
Barbara discusses the heartbreaking reality of newborns being born addicted and the severe health complications they face, including low birth weight, premature births, and sexually transmitted infections. The conversation also highlights the challenges in providing adequate support and resources to these communities, such as extended hospital stays for newborns and the overwhelming burden on child welfare systems. Barbara shares insights into community efforts to combat the crisis, including harm reduction campaigns, health fairs offering on-site STI testing, and educational workshops.
She emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant mental health services and the need for more language speakers in healthcare roles. The episode is a powerful call to action for increased support and understanding of the unique challenges faced by First Nations communities in Saskatchewan. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this critical issue and explore potential solutions to help these communities heal and thrive.
This website uses cookies to enhance the user experience. Some cookies are essential for the use of the site. View our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy for more information.
Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
Ep 24: The Impact of the Crystal Meth Crisis on Children with Barbara Michel
Ep 24: The Impact of the Crystal Meth Crisis on Children with Barbara Michel
Ep 24: The Impact of the Crystal Meth Crisis on Children with Barbara Michel
Thursday 8th August 2024
Barbara Michel discusses the crystal meth crisis in Saskatchewan's First Nations communities and its devastating impact on children.
This podcast aims to seek and share insight about Indigenous addictions and mental health issues. It takes a fearless approach in exploring the tough issues with some of the leading voices in Indigen...(view more)
The Crystal Meth Crisis: Impact on First Nations Children
Episode Overview
Children as young as nine are using crystal meth.
Newborns are being born addicted with severe health issues.
Extended hospital stays and overwhelmed child welfare systems.
Community efforts include harm reduction campaigns and health fairs.
Need for culturally relevant mental health services.
The crisis is felt not only in youth using crystal meth, but also young children that are the age of nine and ten years old that are using crystal meth
Barbara Michel joins Carol Hopkins on Mino Bimaadiziwin to tackle the pressing issue of the crystal meth crisis in Saskatchewan's First Nations communities. Barbara, a Cree from Deschambault Lake and Thunderbird’s Regional Coordinator for Saskatchewan, brings her extensive experience in social services to shed light on the devastating impact of crystal meth on children. The episode dives into alarming statistics, revealing that even children as young as nine are using crystal meth.
Barbara discusses the heartbreaking reality of newborns being born addicted and the severe health complications they face, including low birth weight, premature births, and sexually transmitted infections. The conversation also highlights the challenges in providing adequate support and resources to these communities, such as extended hospital stays for newborns and the overwhelming burden on child welfare systems. Barbara shares insights into community efforts to combat the crisis, including harm reduction campaigns, health fairs offering on-site STI testing, and educational workshops.
She emphasizes the importance of culturally relevant mental health services and the need for more language speakers in healthcare roles. The episode is a powerful call to action for increased support and understanding of the unique challenges faced by First Nations communities in Saskatchewan. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this critical issue and explore potential solutions to help these communities heal and thrive.