Today sees two events in Portage la Prairie focusing on opioid use.

This first is happened over the lunch hour at Keeshkeemaquah Centre, with the second tonight at the Herman Prior Centre.

Addictions Foundation of Manitoba Medical Director Dr. Ginette Poulin describes what they're about.

"We recognize that this is an issue that has no immunity, and that affects everyone within the community. So, we as the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba want come to the communities to share some knowledge, have some discussion surrounding opiate use, and particularly fentanyl, as this is a concern currently, and have experts that are brought to the table."

Barry Rud and Sheri Frandrey speaking at the meeting

She stresses fentanyl is what receives most of the attention right now, but it's not the only substance involved.

"Opiates, and other addictions, and so capturing fentanyl within that lens is important. So, we want to certainly highlight fentanyl, as it's what we're experiencing a lot currently, but it does not also negate the effect that we do have other opiates that are on the street."

Tonight's panel runs from 7 until 9 at the Herman Prior Centre.