Cheryl Bulloch

Cheryl Bulloch wants to be a voice for those struggling with addiction and mental health. In 2020 Bulloch lost her 19-year-old son to an overdose. Seeing her son suffer with mental health issues his entire life, in and out of the hospital and waiting weeks for appointments made Bulloch want to make a difference. She’s since dedicated her life to ending the stigma associated with drug use and advocating for young adults struggling with mental health issues. Bulloch co-hosts Overdose Awareness Day at Nose Creek Regional Park along with two other Airdrie women who have lost loved ones to overdoses. Together they organize inspirational speakers and booths that promote local resources and support for friends, family and current users. In 2022, the group also painted a bridge deck purple in Nose Creek Park for people to go and connect. “People who are struggling with their mental health need help today, not three months down the line,” Bulloch says. “A Lot of these issues are being swept under the rug so a lot of people, my son included, have turned to using drugs because it makes them feel better even if it is just for five minutes.” Bulloch is also working on creating an organization to promote mental health resources called Airdrie’s Hope for Healing. She hopes providing Naloxone training to as many people as possible can help save lives. “Cheryl works hard to raise awareness about the stigma associated with addiction and what the reality is. She brings awareness about life saving measures, and what still needs to be done to bring the number of overdoses down,” says nominator Candy Adams. “She’s very dedicated to her cause.”