As companions, pets do so many wonderful things; from fuzzy friends to emotional supports. We invited our guests to share how having a pet or service animal has improved their quality of life while living with chronic disease.
 
Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more.

Special thanks again to David Matta for audio engineering season 2 of Positively Speaking,  and Nick Nausbaum for composing the music.

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Additional Resources:

Toronto Humane Society -  "We are operating and exploring new service models for Veterinary Care, Operating Preventative Wellness Services, Dental Care and Spay/Neuter services to clients in need."

Toronto Humane Society Urgent Care Program–“ Urgent Care is a response-based, preventative program, offering temporary foster care for pet owners experiencing a short-term crisis which impacts their ability to care for their pet.”
 
Toronto Animal Services - The City of Toronto and the Toronto Humane provide a wide variety of free pet goods and services to unhoused people with pets.

Balance for Blind Adults - provides rehabilitation services for people with sight loss.
 
Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs - Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs empowers Canadians living with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence and independence, by providing a Dog Guide at no cost and supporting them in their journey together. 

Marty is a woman who is loved, with a job and family, who also uses crack cocaine. In this episode, Marty discusses her experience as a person who uses drugs, its repercussions, and both the pull and judgement of drug use.

Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more.

*Warning: this episode contains descriptions of intimate partner violence*

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Additional Resources:

ConnexOntario – Provides service information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health. Available 24/7.

CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) – From assessment to brief interventions, inpatiant programs, day hospital services, continuing care, outpatient services and family support, CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services.

The Works –  A Harm Reduction Program for People who use Drugs - Toronto Public Health (TPH) provides programs and services to reduce drug-related harm for people who use drugs, including preventing the spread of communicable diseases.

 Rapid Access Addiction Medical Clinics (RAAM) – A RAAM clinic is a walk-in clinic for people with substance use problems. The purpose of the clinic is to provide people with quick access to addiction services without a referral or appointment. Most RAAM clinics are first-come/first-serve and offer clients brief counselling and referrals to community services. RAAM clinics are available across Ontario. 

The Access Point Toronto – The Access Point is a centralized point where you can apply for individual mental health and addictions support services and supportive housing.

Like many, Fred’s substance use is a way to manage with trauma. In this episode, he describes how he uses drugs to cope with his emotional and physical pain, and the importance of compassion and harm reduction in his life.

Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more.

*Warning: this episode contains descriptions of sexual abuse.*

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Additional Resources:

ConnexOntario – Provides service information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, alcohol, or mental health. Available 24/7.

CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) – From assessment to brief interventions, inpatiant programs, day hospital services, continuing care, outpatient services and family support, CAMH provides a wide range of clinical care services.

The Works –  A Harm Reduction Program for People who use Drugs - Toronto Public Health (TPH) provides programs and services to reduce drug-related harm for people who use drugs, including preventing the spread of communicable diseases.

Rapid Access Addiction Medical Clinics (RAAM) – A RAAM clinic is a walk-in clinic for people with substance use problems. The purpose of the clinic is to provide people with quick access to addiction services without a referral or appointment. Most RAAM clinics are first-come/first-serve and offer clients brief counselling and referrals to community services. RAAM clinics are available across Ontario. 

The Access Point Toronto – The Access Point is a centralized point where you can apply for individual mental health and addictions support services and supportive housing.

Drug Checking Toronto – A service that provides people who use drugs timely and detailed information on the contents of their drugs, helping them to make more informed decisions.
 
Where to access free Naloxone kits and overdose training