Compassion In The Methadone Clinic | Kim Wazny | Episode 3

WARNING - This video series discusses mental health, addiction, substance use and suicide among other challenging topics. Some viewers may find the content emotionally distressing. Viewer discretion is advised.
Surviving Addiction:
Surviving Addiction is an interview series that highlights the real people who are impacted by addiction and the lenses which they experience it through. Whether it's the healthcare professional, community leader, family member or the person who has lived with a substance use disorder, addiction impacts the lives of everyone it touches. In this series, we learn of the humanity of those that addiction has touched and the profound lessons learned through their experiences.
Episode 3:
Kim Wazny is the Clinic Coordinator at the First Step Methadone Clinic. Over the last 18 years, Kim has worked at the First Step Medical Clinic providing harm reduction services for opioid use disorder. Now working as the Clinic Coordinator, Kim has touched the lives of thousands of people struggling with mental health and addiction. She continues to advocate for the humane treatment of those struggling with addiction and her patients well-being.
Resources:
Canada wide suicide hotline: Dial 9-8-8
Canada wide Non-Emergency Medical Line: Dial 8-1-1
Partners:
Inspire By Example: inspirebyexample.ca/
Inspire By Example shares the stories of lived experience related to addiction with the goal of reducing stigma and providing hope to those in need.
Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine: csam-smca.org/
CSAM is a national society of medical professionals and scientists committed to helping Canadians understand and recover with dignity from substance use disorders.
Durham College Social Impact Hub: durhamcollege.ca/about/office...
The Social Impact Hub at Durham College builds community collaborations needed to undertake socially innovative applied research activities informed by those with lived experience. A key activity is supporting knowledge mobilization within the walls of the college, our region, and beyond.

[@jennieemrich2168]

I was not able to compartmentalize and had to leave after 3 years. AMA's & Obituaries broke my heart. I still volunteer and donate craft supplies and candy. 💙 💜

[@joshbrohart1752]

I remember meeting Kim when I first registered with First Steps in 2009. Pretty sure she completed my intake for the program. Sounds like she's still just as compassionate about helping people as she was when I walked through those doors. Her compassion and respect for her patients play a HUGE role in helping people live a productive life in their addiction. Harm reduction programs need more people like her in the field💜

[@jennieemrich2168]

You Rock🎉 ❤

[@dalejollota4401]

Great episode. I love her compassion and respect for her clients.