George Passmore: Building a Compassionate Community for Substance Use Support
We do a lot with the division of family practice. The people are having to go to north surrey to get methadone, suboxone and anything like that, and many people are trying so hard to exit the life that they were involved in in North Surrey.
Ever wondered how communities can come together to support those battling substance use? In this episode of Avalon Recovery Society Radio, Leanne Utendale chats with George Passmore, a pivotal figure in the White Rock/South Surrey community's substance use services. George wears many hats—he's the Director of Personal & Family Counselling and Support at Sources Community Resources, and he’s also deeply involved in the Tides of Change Overdose Prevention and Response Community Action Team.
His work is all about creating networks of support, outreach, and system navigation for people using substances. George shares his journey and the impactful initiatives he's part of, including producing overdose awareness videos tailored for tradespeople and fostering a compassionate understanding among first responders. He talks passionately about the importance of a person-centred approach and the concept of recovery capital.
This episode dives into the nitty-gritty of how community-driven efforts can make a real difference, highlighting the need to reduce stigma and increase empathy. Whether you're directly affected by substance use or simply interested in community support systems, this conversation offers valuable insights and hope.