​Harm reduction saves lives, and three First Nations youth want to create more awareness about the importance of having open conversations about substance use. Annual events, such as International Overdose Awareness Day, are valuable opportunities to center youth voices on matters that impact them, and programs and initiatives meant to support them.

“The toxic drug poisoning emergency has become the leading cause of death for youth in BC," says FNHA Deputy Chief Medical Officer Evan Adams. “As leaders we must act with urgency to prevent harms and support healing. This includes fostering an environment where youth feel supported, not judged or stigmatized. When youth feel safe, they are more likely to access services and supports."

The FNHA asked First Nations youth with lived experience from its Youth Advisory Committee what they think society can do better to support youth during the toxic drug poisoning emergency. As six people die of toxic drug poisoning every day in BC, First Nations people are disproportionately impacted.

“There's so many things that you could do that would just help us. But the main thing that you can do in order to help us is listen," says Leaf, from Fort Nelson First Nation. “Don't listen just to formulate a response back. Listen, think about it, and come up with a plan."

Leaf also speaks about the importance of having better access to counsellors, to Elders and to culture. But most importantly, “Nothing about us without us."

Naneek, who is from Cowessess First Nation, says that in a lot of communities, youth are not listened to or heard, although there are safe people youth can turn to.

“You don't have to do this alone. I know it seems really lonely, but there's other ways out. Sometimes alcohol and substances … it feels like they're the only things you have when you're alone and you're sad or if that's just what you're doing. But it's not. And that's speaking from experience."

Kaylee, also from Cowessess First Nation, speaks about ways that youth who use substances can practise harm reduction to support their wellness and prevent the worst from happening.

“Harm reduction is getting counselling. Harm reduction is instead of drinking a whole bottle, drinking half a bottle. Harm reduction is having Narcan on you. Harm reduction is not using alone. Harm reduction is so much and it's so, so important," says Kaylee.

The FNHA's overdose awareness campaign includes five videos featuring Dr. Evan Adams and three youth. Topics include how community leaders can better support youth and reduce harm, sharing insight on what harm reduction looks like in practice, and youth giving advice to their peers who use substances.

You can watch and listen to the youth on the FNHA YouTube channel here: FNHA Overdose Awareness Campaign​

​To learn more about International Overdose Awareness Day visit the link here: fnha.ca/overdoseawareness to learn more about the FNHA's response to the toxic drug emergency, including resources for toxic drug poisoning prevention, substance use and healing, as well as data, visit: https://www.fnha.ca/harmreduction