GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS HEALTHY LIFESTYLES DAY FOR YOUTH

The provincial government is providing $15,000 in support of the annual Drug Awareness and Healthy Lifestyles Day.

More than 1,900 Grade 7 students from across Saskatoon will assemble at Prairieland Park November 14-15 to hear presentations about healthy lifestyles. The two-day event is being sponsored by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) and is hosted by the Saskatoon Health Region's Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Saskatoon Police Service, Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services and MD Ambulance.

"SGI and SLGA are proud to provide financial support for this event," Minister responsible for SGI and SLGA Donna Harpauer said. "This event provides an opportunity to help young people understand that underage drinking is harmful and getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver is dangerous and often comes with tragic consequences."

Police officers, firefighters, paramedics and addiction professionals will be among the guests speaking to students about topics ranging from the consequences of illegal drug use, impaired driving, texting while driving, the impact of alcohol consumption and other potentially harmful behaviours.

"The financial support being provided by SGI and SLGA for this event will help benefit the larger community by promoting a healthy attitude among our young people," Saskatoon Police Inspector Jerome Engele said. "Teenagers face a lot of peer pressure and this event will provide them with the tools to make safe choices."

"Addictions to drugs and alcohol often start at a young age," Prevention Educator with Mental Health and Addiction Services Siobhan O'Connor said. "This event is a great way for us to talk to young people about the realities of drug and alcohol use by challenging them to consider the potential consequences."

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For more information, contact:

David Morris
Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1721

Inspector Jerome Engele
Saskatoon Police Service
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-8285

Linda Walker
Saskatoon Health Region
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-655-3476