On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Dr. Nel Wieman, Chief Medical Officer for the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), joined fellow panelists to discuss misinformation and the toxic drug crisis for Science World’s Spotlights event series.

“This is an important event for us to participate in,” said Dr. Wieman. “We must ensure the disproportionate and negative impact of the toxic drug crisis on First Nations people in BC is understood within the public realm.”

Science World Spotlights is an event series for adults that observes topical issues through a hopeful and STEAM-focused lens (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Design and Mathematics). Through mindful discussions, series panelists confront global challenges while spotlighting the scientific advancements and solutions that inspire optimism for the future. These events are accessible and open to everyone.

Dr. Wieman joined Dr. Bohdan Nosyk, Professor and St. Paul’s Hospital CANFAR Chair in HIV/AIDS Research at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, Leslie McBain, Chief Executive Officer of Moms Stop the Harm, Chloe Goodison, Founder and Executive Director of NaloxHome Society, and Stephen Quinn, Host of CBC Radio One’s morning show The Early Edition, to address misinformation surrounding the toxic drug crisis in BC.

“That picture is what you often see in the public domain — a death in a back alley, a used needle… just stereotypes,” said Dr. Wieman during her presentation. “It creates a false impression that people who use drugs are out there, and not in our communities or our networks, and this type of stereotyping can be quite harmful. We don’t often hear about so-called ‘regular’ people who use substances.”

The panelists shared the latest research, scientific insights and community-based learnings to address common misconceptions regarding the toxic drug crisis and foster informed dialogue. The event was recorded and can be viewed here.​