Yesterday marked International Overdose Awareness Day and the Alberta Alliance Who Educate and Advocate Responsibly (AAWEAR) was out in Galt Gardens to remember those who have lost lives and loved ones to overdose.
“We are here today (Aug. 31) to remember, without stigma, those who have died and acknowledge the grief of the families and friends left behind,” said Heidi Reinke, outreach coordinator for the Lethbridge chapter of AAWEAR. “In southern Alberta, there is not a lot of talk about it. There’s a lot of stigma and just not understanding that these folks don’t, it’s not a choice for them. This is just their reality at this time and we want to change that — we want to bring some more empathetic people to the cause and just really educate Lethbridge.”
The organization handed out water and harm reduction supplies and also held a moment of silence in the park. Reinke said people in Lethbridge who would like to help those struggling with addiction can donate to local organizations, such as AAWEAR. “Donating is huge because we are mostly all non-profit or volunteer run. We don’t have a lot of funding for supplies, so that is a huge way that average folks can help out,” she said. “Get involved, come out on our community day walks that are open to anyone who wants to, things like that.”
The most recent data from the province shows Lethbridge saw three drug poisoning deaths in June, across the province there were 99.
“Too many Albertans continue to lose their lives to addiction. On International Overdose Awareness Day, we renew our commitment to helping Albertans pursue recovery,” reads a statement from associate minister of mental health and addictions Mike Ellis. “The majority of overdose deaths take place at home, often when someone is using alone. That’s why our government launched the Digital Overdose Response System app – a tool that reduces harm specifically designed for people who use opioids and other drugs alone.”
NDP critic for mental health and addictions Lori Sigurdson, said the UCP government does not do enough to support people struggling with addiction.
“These deaths were preventable. Drug use should not be a death sentence. By denying evidence-based services, backed by science, the UCP have failed Albertans,” reads a statement from Sigurdson. “Alberta must have a drug poisoning response rooted in the need to save lives, not one that passes moral judgment or specifies only one path towards recovery. There is no room for prejudice when saving lives.
