In my role as a social worker in Fraser Health’s Toxic Drug Response and Priority Populations (TDRPP) Program, I coordinate with an interdisciplinary team to provide person-centred care and education. I meet with individuals who have had a toxic drug event and offer education about harm reduction supplies, services and resources in their area.

I have grown both personally and professionally by learning and becoming more aware of the various issues that my clients are being faced with. I love that I can engage and connect with our communities and it brings me great joy to be able to provide care and services to best support them.

I work with a tight-knit team who is always uplifting each other while promoting education and professional development. With their support, I am currently pursuing ongoing education to become a violence prevention facilitator for our region.

For those considering a similar profession, I would advise them to be open-minded and recognize the importance of collaborating with other disciplines and service providers. Strong partnerships and connections are essential in this field. I feel fortunate to work alongside a team who is passionate about providing care to our communities, putting our clients’ needs first and supporting them in their goals.

At Fraser Health, I feel well-supported by the great vacation hours and ongoing support from both my colleagues and leadership. We touch base with each other throughout the day and are always available to provide support when needed.

As part of the Fraser North region, I have the opportunity to work in Burnaby and travel as far as Maple Ridge. I enjoy the diverse scenery, architecture and nature each unique community has to offer.

While living in Vancouver, I like how everything is local and is accessible to groceries, nature and a plethora of activities in the city and nearby communities. I also enjoy the variety of fantastic food options. It’s an easy drive to Burnaby for bubble tea or perfectly fried Taiwanese chicken. Afterwards, I can enjoy the parks and scenery to walk it all off! I always enjoy having a good meal and exercising with my friends. I’ve been running for the last few months and enjoy long walks outside of work or a quick one during my break.