FNHA summer student Michelle Gnyra holds a naloxone ampule and displays the contents of the BC Take Home Naloxone kit that is provided at BC harm reduction sites

BC has declared a public health emergency in response to the massive increase in overdose deaths seen in BC in the past two years – and this trend is accelerating as the days go by. BC has seen over 300 overdose deaths since January alone. Opioid drugs such as fentanyl are the deadly cause of this spike.

What you may not know is that the tragedy of overdose death can be prevented. Critical to preventing overdose death is raising awareness about drug overdose and reducing the stigma of drug-related death.

International Overdose Awareness Day is an annual, global event which aims to increase awareness and reduce the stigma around drug overdose. The symbol for the Day is a silver badge. It symbolizes awareness of overdose and its effects. Wearing silver can signify the loss of someone cherished or demonstrate support to those bearing a burden of grief.

Prior to August 31^st the FNHA will be providing silver badges to interested First Nations community members and FNHA staff. FNHA regional staff is working with communities to distribute badges.

Overdose Death can be Prevented

Naloxone is an injectable medication that reverses the effects of an overdose from opioid drugs and saves lives. The BC Take Home Naloxone Kit can be used by anyone in BC.

The FNHA is working alongside its partners to increase the number of First Nations communities that have the life-saving Take Home Naloxone Kits on site and has trained personnel and community members in how to use the kits.  

Take Home Naloxone Kits:

• Are available at 332 harm reduction sites across BC. Find a harm reduction site at: https://towardtheheart.com/site-locator  

• Available at all BC pharmacies - kits received from pharmacies vary in appearance but contain all supplies needed to prevent overdose death

• Do not require a prescription

Naloxone is a drug covered by First Nations Health Benefits. Add it to your first aid kit. Let's start talking about keeping ourselves, our family and our friends safe.

Click here to learn about the signs of an opioid overdose.

Resources

Learn more about Take Home Naloxone Kits: http://towardtheheart.com/naloxone/

Find a harm reduction site that offers Take Home Naloxone training: http://towardtheheart.com/site-locator

Watch the video 'Naloxone Saves Lives': http://towardtheheart.com/naloxone/

Learn about Fentanyl Overdose: http://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/fentanyl-in-first-nations-communities-know-how-to-reduce-the-risk-of-overdose

Find out more about International Overdose Awareness Day: http://www.overdoseday.com/