On
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), we remember those who have died due to the toxic drug poisoning crisis – and acknowledge the grief and loss of family and friends left behind.
The ongoing crisis continues to disproportionately impact First Nations people living in British Columbia (BC).
This year, the FNHA is focusing our IOAD messaging on youth. Our young people are at risk – toxic drug poisoning is now the leading cause of death for all youth in BC. The need for change is urgent in order to save lives.
As leaders and community members, we must act quickly and work with youth to prevent harm and support healing. “Together we can," the theme for IOAD, serves as a reminder of the power our community has when we all stand together.
To foster an environment where youth feel supported, we need to create safe spaces that encourage them to access services and supports. In safe spaces, people use who use drugs are treated with respect, love, and patience – not with negativity or discrimination. Accepting someone for who they are and meeting them where they are at in their wellness journey can make them more willing to seek support.
Culture and language also play an essential role in grounding us as First Nations people. This cultural grounding can help youth feel supported and ultimately saves lives.
It is important to include the voices of youth and listen to their lived experience to ensure their perspectives guide our actions in creating supportive programs and services. The toxic drug emergency is rife with misinformation, stigma and racism, but we can counteract these damaging realities through education, by responding with compassion and raising awareness about harm reduction and treatment options.
The FNHA is working with health care partners to expand overdose prevention sites; increase access to treatment and recovery services; support connection to culture, land and community; and develop First Nations peer networks and grief support groups (i.e.,
Healing Indigenous Hearts group facilitation) in both urban areas and rural and remote communities.
We recognize there is much work to be done to reduce the harms and support people on their healing journeys. We will continue to work with First Nations communities in BC towards necessary and lasting change.
Here are some resources to learn more about practising harm reduction and promoting a stigma- and discrimination-free environment:
