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In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Melissa McGillivray and Jen Chouinard join me in the studio to share their lived experiences as service providers. Drawing on their expertise and personal insight, they break down the mental and emotional toll of working on the front lines of Saskatoon’s overdose crisis.

Through the lens of a registered nurse and a social worker/researcher, we explore the stark realities of substance use in the community, service provider burnout, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and the growing need for trauma-informed support—both for those experiencing addiction and for those offering care.

🔍 In this video, you’ll learn about:
➡ Overdose statistics in Saskatoon
➡ Mental health challenges for service providers
➡ Substance use harm reduction strategies
➡ Community support systems
➡ Burnout among healthcare workers
➡ Impact of library and harm reduction service closures
➡ Naloxone training and emergency response
➡ Psychological effects of trauma and withdrawal
➡ Ethical challenges in healthcare

🎓 Learn more about the AIMS-SK program through the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan

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📧 Connect with the Guests:
Melissa McGillivray – melissamcgillivrayndp@gmail.com
Jen Chouinard – jennifer.chouinard@usask.ca

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