B.C.'s medical health officer declared a public health emergency on April 14, 2016 in response to high numbers of drug overdoses and deaths. Overdoses continue to rise and have so far more than doubled this year. On August 30, ANKORS (AIDS Network, Outreach and Support Society) and a group of peers with lived experience R.E.D.U.N. (Rural Empowered Drug Users Network) are organizing a booth to promote awareness regarding drug overdose. This is in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. [continues 336 words]
Editor: Re: RCMP raid needle site (Feb. 23 issue of the Grand Forks Gazette) Needle exchange programs are part of a comprehensive harm reduction approach to minimizing harms associated with drug use. There is scientific evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of syringe exchange and outreach programs. Needle programs are a first point of contact to health and social services for people who live in the margins of society as a result of stigma related to use of illicit drugs. These programs alter harmful conditions surrounding drug use, such as reducing sharing of equipment, unequal access to health services, social discrimination, exposure to street and relationship violence, inadequate housing, lack of employment and poor physical or mental health. [continues 247 words]
