As the feelings of isolation intensify during the cold winter months, and with no clear end in sight of this pandemic, the necessity for a conversation confronting addiction and mental health grows ever more important. Holy Blossom Temple's Luke Sklar Mental Health Initiative is honoured to welcome Dr. Leslie Buckley, Chief of the Addictions Division at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, alongside Randy Eckler, who will offer personal reflections on his journey through addiction. Your Jewish community is here for you and your loved ones as we address this challenging and timely topic.

Additionally, the professionals at Jewish Addiction Community Services (JACS) will be available to provide counselling if someone is triggered by the program or needs help afterwards. For more information about JACS, please follow this link: https://jacstoronto.org/

Pre-registration required; click here>>

This program is made possible by a gift from Jill Witkin and Greg Coleman

Dr. Leslie Buckley is the Chief of the Addictions Division at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Dr. Buckley focuses on the outpatient treatment of patients with substance use disorders and has a special interest in improving models of care in addiction through system innovation. She has created several collaborations to enhance care for patients with substance use disorders in community settings as well as developing collaborative programs for concurrent treatment of addictions in the areas of cancer, trauma and eating disorders. Dr. Buckley is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto with a longstanding involvement in Addiction teaching and education for medical students, residents and practicing physicians. Dr. Buckley has a keen interest in advocacy, substance use prevention and women’s health. Leslie lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons who love basketball.

Randy Eckler was born and raised in Toronto and is 62 years old.. He abused alcohol and marijuana for over 40 years and paid the ultimate price over and over until he discovered reality and recovery. His behaviours caused isolation from his family and he is now on the long road back by giving back to society all that he took. Randy will share his story of recovery with us.

“Earning the hardest respect of all, SELF RESPECT- my worst day straight is better than my best day high.”