A group of concerned citizens continues to raise their voice in an attempt to end the stigma surrounding addiction and to push for change.
Yesterday, Niagara Area Moms Ending Stigma invited the public to join in on a discussion about addiction and mental health.
As the group gathered at the Garden City Arena Complex to talk openly, pictures of lost loved ones dotted a nearby table - a reminder of the high cost of addiction.
The talk was lead by members of NAMES as well as Clarke Bitter, an outspoken activist who shared his touching story of recovery. St. Catharines Fire Chief Jeff McCormick and St. Catharines Councillor Mike Britton were also on hand to lend their support.
Co-founder of NAMES Sandi Tantardini hopes yesterday's event was inspiring.
"We just wanted the opportunity to put the word out there, give people options, make people aware this is an election year; it's a big opportunity. Now is the time to be stomping our feet and making our voices heard. Now is the time when we're going to have an impact."
As the meeting wrapped up, close to a dozen people received Naloxone kit training from Talia Storm of Positive Living Niagara.