TBRHSC Takes the Pledge Against Substance Use and Addiction Stigma
by Marcello Bernardo
(L-R): Kyle Arnold, People Advocating for Change Coordinator and Harm Reduction Outreach Worker with the Safer Supply Program; Dr. Gregory Carfagnini, physician lead for the Strategic Plan 2026 Substance Use and Addictions project at TBRHSC; Shawn Seagris, Manager Child and Adolescent Mental Health Ambulatory Mental Health In-patient Social Work, TBRHSC; Joelle Macey, Manager, Adult Mental Health (AMH), TBRHSC; Giulia Daniele, Addictions Medicine and Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, TBRHSC; and Adam Vinet, Vice President of Patient Experience and Chief Nursing Executive, TBRHSC, Regional Vice President of Regional Cancer Care.Health care staff and the leadership team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) came together today to celebrate the launch of an anti-stigma campaign designed to bring awareness to and break down the stigma associated with substance use and addiction.
“All individuals with addictions and substance use disorder deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. This campaign will help bring awareness to the negative stereotypes and barriers created by stigmatization,” said Adam Vinet, Vice President of Patient Experience and chief Nursing Executive, Regional Vice President, Regional Cancer Care at TBRHSC. “Our words and actions matter. Out-dated language around addictions and substance abuse continues to be used in conversations, and this can be a barrier to breaking down stigma. It is our responsibility to advocate for change and reduce stigma to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all staff, patients, and their families.”
As part of the Patient Experience pillar of Strategic Plan 2026, the Anti-Stigma Campaign will define what stigma is within TBRHSC and provide education on the appropriate tools and strategies to ensure staff provide exceptional care to every patient facing mental health and addictions.
“Having faced two decades of stigma, I’ve seen its harm up close. But through my journey, I’ve learned a powerful truth: no one is beyond help, and everyone deserves compassion,” said Kyle Arnold, Harm Reduction Support Worker Safer Supply NorWest Community Health Centres. “Stigma thrives in silence, but it’s time to speak out. This campaign is not just about raising awareness; it’s about saving lives. Together, let’s break the chains of stigma, because every person, every story, deserves to be heard and valued.”
The campaign launch will take place over the next three days (March 26-28), with the signing and Substance Use and Addictions Project members visiting in-patient units to provide education on approaches to reduce stigma and an opportunity to sign the pledge. Initiatives of this Campaign will continue throughout the year. The campaign will also include anti-stigma videos and posters as a learning tool for staff.
Individuals in Northwestern Ontario are at three to four times higher risk for hospital stays for self-harm caused by substance use than the average of many areas in Southern Ontario. In addition, the suicide rate in Northwestern Ontario is 2.75 times higher than the rest of the province. Due to these higher statistics, the TBRHSC’s Substance Use/Addiction Planning Working Group want to ensure that individuals living with addiction who come to the Hospital for help feel respected, safe, understood and supported.
