We’re collaborating with Healthy Oxford Hills to host a free showing of the short Maine-made film Compassion Cures on Thursday, June 6th at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. The 30-minute documentary focuses on the stigma surrounding substance use and mental health, and the importance of deepening the understanding of these issues and leaning into compassion as we address them in our communities.
The event begins at 6pm with time to connect with local organizations and learn about the resources offered for people impacted by substance use and/or mental health challenges. The film will start at 6:30 and will be immediately followed by a facilitated conversation. A panel of community voices will reflect on the film and how they see substance use impacting local communities, and will take questions from the audience. The panel will include:
- Lynley Turkington, Substance Misuse Counsellor, OHCHS
- Gordon Smith, Director of Opioid Response, State of Maine
- Nikkie Laverdiere, Peer Advisor, WMARI/HILLS Recovery Center
- Susan Friend, Oxford County Liaison, OPTIONS Program
- Sen. Richard Bennett, Maine State Legislature
- Jeff Noblin, President, Stephens Memorial Hospital
- Michaela Holbrook, Affected other and OHCHS NHS Student
Laura Morris of Better Life Partners and Kari Taylor, Executive Director of WMARI/HILLS Recovery Center, will facilitate the conversation.
Substance use, mental health, and stigma impact all sorts of people and families across our communities. All are invited to this important film and conversation. It’s also an opportunity to learn about helpful resources and programs, connect with others, and maybe even go home with a door prize!
Visit our Facebook event for more information.
