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#MyCareMyChoice

The #MyCareMyChoice Storytelling Campaign is an initiative that amplifies the voices of people who use drugs, people with lived or living experience, people in recovery, and those navigating care systems in Alberta.

Through written stories, voice recordings, quote graphics, and video submissions, #MyCareMyChoice builds a collective archive of experiences to: 

  • Push back against stigma and misinformation

  • Educate the public and policymakers

  • Strengthen the case for voluntary, trauma-informed, person-centred care

Why Share Your Story?

Your voice can help:

  • Show what respectful, non-coercive care looks like

  • Prevent the spread of coercive treatment models

  • Dispel myths about people who use drugs and recovery

  • Influence public understanding and government decisions

  • Build solidarity and community through truth-telling

Who Can Share their Story?

This campaign is open to people across Alberta who want to speak to:

  • What recovery, healing, or support has looked like for them

  • What hasn’t worked, especially when it felt forced, judged, or disconnected

  • The power of harm reduction, peer support, or culturally grounded care

  • Why choice and consent matter in care decisions

  • What they fear might happen if involuntary care becomes law

Whether your story is about recovery, survival, ongoing use, or support from others, it’s valuable, it’s valid, and it matters.

How #MyCareMyChoice Works

Step 1: Consent Form

You'll fill out a simple consent form where you choose:

  • The format of your story

  • Whether your name or image can be shared

  • Where and how you’re comfortable having your story used

  • The option to receive support or editing help

Please email your consent form to carewithoutcoercion@catalysthaven.ca or fill out the online consent form by clicking the button below.

Step 2: Submission

You can share:

  • Written stories

  • Voice notes or video

  • Short quotes or reflections

  • A one-on-one session to help shape your story (optional)

Please email your submission to carewithoucoercion@catalysthaven.ca or fill out the online submission form by clicking the button below.

You have full control:

  • You can change or withdraw your consent at any time

  • We won’t share your story outside of this campaign

  • No edits will be made without your approval

Support & Honouring Your Time

We know sharing your living or lived experience takes emotional labour. While we are working to secure funding for honorariums, all participants will receive:

  • Optional emotional support or debrief resources

  • A trauma-informed consent process

  • Full transparency and control over how your story is used