Youth-Led Project Responding to the Current Crystal Meth Crisis
The Glass Gateway Podcast emerged from the notable crystal meth crisis happening amongst friends and loved ones within the city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In 2020, lead researcher, Dr. Kara Fletcher, initiated a youth and community-led podcast to capture the voices of those impacted by this crisis. While much national and local media attention has focused on the toxic opioid supply, cities and communities in the Prairies are dealing urgently with a crystal meth crisis (Birrell, 2020). Crystal meth now accounts for more than 30 percent of individuals seeking addiction treatment in Saskatchewan which has increased 10 times from 2012-2018 (Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, 2019). The objective of this youth-led project is to respond directly to the current crystal meth crisis in the city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Through the Glass Gateway Podcast, we were able to document the perspectives of the individuals who have lived experience of crystal meth and polysubstance use. Having the ability to share the voices of those with lived experience and those working to support substance users, has brought further awareness to the community impacted, aimed to reduce stigma through informing and including the broader public, raising awareness, and working to mobilize policy responses. With the podcast platform as the vehicle of social change and understanding, we hope to continue to bring further awareness and compassion to those impacted by substance use among the Prairies.
"Let's be honest... for the most part lived experience is education second to none"
Who We Are
Alex
(he/they)
Enjoying the pursuit of learning and having an opportunity to help, Alex joined the Glass Gateway project to spread awareness about the impacts of meth addiction and addiction in general. His biggest goal is to help podcast listeners understand the suffering those living with addiction experience and most importantly that they are people too. He believes many find it easier to sweep the problem under the rug. Outside of Glass Gateway, he often plays games.
Sadie
(she/her)
Hi there, my name is Sadie, and I am one of our team members with Glass Gateway Podcast. I am a recovering addict from Calgary, Alberta who has a deep passion for animals, music, and mental health. Throughout my time with Glass Gateway, I have learned a great deal about the way mental health and substance use go hand in hand. I have also gotten to hear the stories and opinions of what has been the most wonderfully diverse group. So if you're ready to dive deep and shift your thinking, come help us break the stigma and have a listen to our podcast!
Kara Fletcher (she/her)
Kara Fletcher is the Director of the Social Work Research Centre at the University of Regina and an Associate Professor at the University of Regina Faculty of Social Work, Saskatoon Campus. She lives and works on Treaty 6 Territory. Her program of research seeks to better understand the impact of mental wellness, substance use and trauma on couple, family, and community well-being. When she isn’t trying to figure out how to make a podcast she is chasing around her young family or is lost in a good book.
Hillary Wand
(she/her)
Hillary Wand is an MSW grad student with education, work experience and a passion for supporting those impacted by substance use. For over a decade Hillary has worked alongside people struggling with their own substance use and loved ones impacted. Working on this podcast has been a highlight of Hillary’s career thus far as it has been incredible baring witness to people’s resiliency and desire to break down the stigma.
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