Healthy Communities Committee
Table of Contents
Public Meeting: Healthy Community Strategy (March 25, 2025)
HRHSSA Presentation: Opioid Crisis (Oct 31, 2025)
Commitments identified at Oct. 31, 2025 meeting:
- As suggested in HRHSSA lead presentation and discussion, HRHSSA will form a working group of community stakeholders best positioned to identify solutions to substance abuse and drug trade in Hay River.
- Jo-Anne Henderson-White identified as lead.
- HRHSSA to take the lead on short term public education response to current carfentanil trafficking and associated community impact.
- Erin Griffiths identified as lead. HRHSSA will source educational materials through CPHO and ensure distribution via mail system.
- HRHSSA will share relevant information/comms, in conjunction with Office of Chief Public Health.
- Erin identified as lead and may reach out to relevant partner organizations to coordinate distribution.
- HRFD available to distribute handouts to clients and vulnerable sector individuals.
- Travis Wright identified as lead, with support from HRHSSA to identify appropriate educational materials to distribute.
- Cllr Willows and Mayor Jameson to discuss possibility of a public meeting bringing attention to carfentanil trafficking and associated community impact.
- DOJ Probations representatives to continue outreach, support and investigation with vulnerable sector individuals, as well as newly formed Hay River Narcotics Anonymous group.
- Cindy Caudron identified as lead.
- Exploration of social media platforms and technologies as most efficient means to educate local youth:
- Scott Clouthier identified as lead, via Hay River Youth Centre, including possibility of content creation/sharing and/or contest options.
- DJSS staff and students identified as potential partners for content creation and/or sharing.
- THR Department of Recreation and Community Service to research existing youth centered social media content or personalities that could be leveraged.
GNWT Presentation: NWT Toxic Drugs Overview (Dec 11, 2025)
Resources
Website: https://www.safegrowth.org/
Key publications on SafeGrowth: https://www.safegrowth.org/publications.html
Videos on SafeGrowth success stories: https://www.safegrowth.org/videos.html
Standing Committee on Social Development Public Meeting in Hay River on bill 34 – Trespass to Property Act: https://www.youtube.com
Hay River Youth Centre: Instructables
Frequently Asked Questions
The Healthy Communities Committee was created by the Town of Hay River to identify and respond to social issues impacting the wellbeing of our community and its residents.
The Healthy Communities Committee is comprised of representatives from the Town of Hay River, territorial departments, Indigenous governments, the RCMP, schools, non-profits, and other local stakeholders.
To guide local health-related initiatives from 2024 to 2034, improve community health and wellness, and encourage collaboration among governments, NGOs, and residents.
The Healthy Community Strategy was developed with help from PlanIt North, a consulting firm, and informed by engagement with community members, Indigenous governments, youth, seniors, and more.
Through development of a substance use strategy, promoting harm reduction, expanding wraparound care, and reducing stigma.
Updating bylaws, coordinating with RCMP, investing in SafeGrowth®, and promoting rehabilitation programs like Wellness Court.
Implementing the 2023–2028 Housing Plan, providing incentives for affordable housing, and exploring shelter and transitional housing solutions.
Residents are encouragred to provide their feedback via email to townhall@hayriver.com.
Feedback
The Town of Hay River welcomes feedback from residents regarding the Healthy Communities Commitee and the Healthy Community Strategy.
Residents are encouragred to provide their feedback via email to townhall@hayriver.com.