mental-health
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May 25, 2025 – Beyond Impossible: From Stigma to Strength Through Storytelling
I recently had the profound privilege of attending “Beyond Impossible: Navigating Stigma Through Stories of Strength,” an event hosted by the BC Schizophrenia Society in recognition of National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day. Held at The Cultch Historic Theatre and livestreamed, the evening was a powerful testament to the human spirit—a deeply moving space where… Continue reading
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May 23, 2025 – Reclaiming Healing: Reflections on Len Pierre’s TEDx Talk “Decolonizing Substance Use and Addiction”
I was deeply touched and inspired by Len Pierre’s TEDxSFU talk, Decolonizing Substance Use and Addiction. As a Coast Salish educator and traditional knowledge keeper from the Katzie First Nation, Pierre speaks with clarity, conviction, and deep compassion about the complex realities of addiction, especially within Indigenous communities. What makes his message so powerful is… Continue reading
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May 21, 2025 – Breaking the Silence: What I Learned from a CAPSA Webinar on Substance Use and Stigma
A recent webinar hosted by the Community Addictions Peer Support Association (CAPSA) shed light on the pervasive issue of stigma surrounding substance use, offering a powerful call to action for individuals and communities to respond with compassion rather than judgment. The session emphasized that understanding and addressing stigma is crucial for fostering healing and support.… Continue reading
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May 8, 2025 – “Have You Seen My Son?”: A Parent’s Love Through the Years
In 1994, a young man battling addiction left Toronto and came to Vancouver in search of drugs. Since then, his parents have not seen or heard from him. Thirty years have passed. Thirty years of silence, uncertainty, and wondering. They have lived each day with questions in their hearts. Is he still alive? Is he… Continue reading
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May 03, 2025 – Why Aren’t we teaching students about drug prevention anymore? Reflection from an RCMP exhibition and a call to invest in youth education.
On May 3, 2025, I attended an educational event hosted by the Richmond RCMP at Lansdowne Centre. The event featured various community engagement activities, including fraud prevention information, discussions on the D.A.R.E. program’s keepin’ it REAL curriculum, and cycling demonstrations by officers participating in the upcoming Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast. Families enjoyed photo… Continue reading
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May 1, 2025 – Showing Up Matters: Reflections from the Pathways Clubhouse Fundraiser
Tonight, I attended the Pathways Clubhouse Society fundraiser, a gathering full of warmth, generosity, and deep humanity. It was more than a fundraising event. It was a living testament to the truth that healing, community, and mental health care are not just ideas — they are embodied every day in real people and real stories.… Continue reading
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May 1, 2025 – A Morning at the Drop-In: New Faces, Familiar Challenges in Richmond
This morning, I made my way to the drop-in center here in Richmond. It’s always a place that offers a glimpse into the diverse realities of our community, and today was no exception. Stepping inside, I was greeted by some new faces among the staff. It’s always nice to introduce myself and connect with the… Continue reading
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April 30, 2025 – Bridging Cultures: Understanding Different Approaches to Addiction Treatment in British Columbia
Recently, a meaningful conversation unfolded after I reached out to a therapist’s manager following a poignant reflection on a family’s tragic loss in Surrey, British Columbia. As a member of the BC community, witnessing such grief underscores the importance of understanding the diverse experiences within our multicultural landscape. While the manager rightly upheld client confidentiality,… Continue reading
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April 26, 2025 – Walking Alongside Grief: Reflections on a Family’s Tragic Loss and Our Call to Listen
Today, I had the solemn privilege of sitting with a Mandarin-speaking family in Surrey, British Columbia, who are navigating unimaginable grief. Earlier this year, their 14-year-old daughter died from an overdose. As I entered their home, I felt the weight of sorrow in the air—a mother’s heartbreak, a father’s silence, and the empty space that… Continue reading
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April 22, 2025 – I Am Not an Expert—I’m a Pastor and a Companion: Why I Carry a Naloxone Kit
My name is Yu-Ching Mo (my Chinese name in Mandarin), and I am a pastor who cares deeply about the community and offers spiritual/pastoral counseling to those in need. I was recently interviewed by Sing Tao Daily about why I always carry a naloxone (Narcan) kit with me. To me, this small kit is more… Continue reading