The Play It Safer Network held an Overdose Awareness Day yesterday.  People gathered on Main Street and walked to Rotary Park where an addictions awareness display and access to support services were set up.  The Committee’s Tieryn Steele notes last year we lost 407 Manitobans to fatal overdoses….

“This is a public health crisis and these deaths were 100 percent preventable.  This time to take action is now. The drug supply is becoming increasingly more toxic, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Supports such as safe consumption sites, a legal regulated drug supply and no barrier access to Naloxone can greatly decrease the harms associated with drug use.  These supports could save hundreds of lives but because of the stigma that surrounds drug use they are hard to implement within communities.  Our society views drug use as some sort of moral failing when in reality letting hundreds of people die from preventable causes is the real moral failing.”

Steele added you are able to access Naloxone through the Play It Safer Network and the Pharmacy.  The Network can also train organizations, businesses and individuals in administering Naloxone and on overdose prevention and AFM is an excellent resource for those experiencing substance misuse issues.