On Wednesday, May 12, Sue Johanson, sex educator and counselor was in Miramichi to speak at the 5th annual Women’s Wellness Conference and a grade nine education presentation.
Johanson is a registered nurse who educates audiences across Canada on the complex topics of love, relationships and sex.
Johanson took the stage at Miramichi Exhibition Building during the morning portion of the conference and spoke to the audience about sexuality throughout the lifespan.
Stacey McFarlane is the coordinator for the Women’s Wellness Program. “This message was requested and many women came to hear her,” McFarlane says. “Each year at the conference, we ask attendees to tell us what topics they would most like us to cover at future conferences. Sexuality is always identified.”
Johanson also spoke to grade nine students from across the region at James M Hill in the afternoon. This presentation focused on giving the students information to make good decisions and talked about the negative consequences that may come along with making poor choices when it comes to their bodies and their life.
Jeanne Breau, Sexual Health Coordinator for Miramichi Public Health Services, helped coordinate Johanson’s visit. “Sue talked about meaningful decision making. Her presentation spoke to the fact that today’s teenagers make decisions in a ‘vacuum’ and they need to begin making decisions based on their whole life, realizing that their decisions affect every relationship they have,” Breau says.
The school presentation was made possible through generous partnership from School District 16, Eel Ground First Nation, City of Miramichi, Beaubear Co-op, Miramichi Kia, Addiction and Mental Health Services, Horizon Health Network, local area physicians, Miramichi Kinsmen Club and Newcastle Rotary Club.
