Campbell River Mirror
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Wednesday, January 29, 2020 A11
Overdose Prevention Resource Guide
‘Let’s mitigate disease transmission. Let’s mitigate death’ MIKE DAVIES Campbell River Mirror
One day last week, Campbell River’s Overdose Prevention Site saved the lives of four members of our community. But they didn’t have any time to congratulate themselves, just as they didn’t have time to celebrate the lives they saved the day before. Because there were more people to save the next day. And the day after. And the day after that. Because that’s what they do. 365 days per year. The centre is run by AVI Health and Community Services Campbell River and overseen by interim manager Sarah Delaney-Spindler. It’s a place, she says, with few – but extremely dedicated – staff, making a huge difference. While an Overdose Prevention Site, or OPS, is a lesser-known term than “Safe Injection Site,” it’s a fairly widely-held misconception that’s what AVI Campbell River is, Delaney-Spindler says. When she explains to people what they do at AVI, she admits she’ll say to people, “it’s like a Safe Injection Site,” but only because it’s a term more people recognize. But while they have similar functions in some ways, the Campbell River OPS is much more than just a place where people can access a clean drug supply and consume it in a sterile, safe environment. “Yes, we provide an Overdose Preven-
tion Site where folks can use substances,” Delaney-Spindler says, showing me the two stations in the Overdose Prevention Room (OPR) we’re sitting in, ready to leave should someone need to use it. The stations have clean, medical-looking metal tables and are well lit by bright overhead lamps. “But we also have the positive wellness program, which supports people living with HIV or Hep C, we do harm reduction and distribution – so supplying folks with clean needles, crack pipes, meth pipes, condoms, any sort of safer-injection education, naloxone plus training – as well as safer sex education, ,” Delaney-Spindler continues. “We also have an education outreach team who goes out into the community and provides education to local businesses, the college, ambulance, RCMP, you name it.”
And unfortunately, they’re busier than ever. “We are definitely seeing a trend up in OPR use, as well as supplies going out,” Delaney-Spindler says. “Just yesterday we had 33 folks use this room. And we had four overdoses. That’s four people who would have died yesterday if they’d been using in an alley.” But even Delaney-Spindler is conflicted on whether or not more people using the site is a positive thing. In one way, it means they’re saving more lives, but in another way, it reflects, most likely, that more people are turning to hard drugs to cope with the issues in their lives. “We certainly have a lot of regulars, but when I look at the numbers and compare it to what I actually see while I’m here, I think that more people are using the site, rather than it being
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AVI offers naloxone training to anyone in the community that is interested and gives a naloxone kit to everyone who completes the training, but that’s just one of the important roles the organization fills within the community. Black Press file photo just the same people coming more often,” Delaney-Spindler says. “If you look at numbers like our vacancy rate in Campbell River, it’s super scary, and not just because that’s the amount of available housing, but it’s also all the circles around that. People who are on the borderline, or are at-risk, they are so much more vulnerable to crossing that line from ‘vulnerable’ into ‘poverty’ and ending up on
the streets. “So while it’s great that people are utilizing the service, but it’s not great that that’s a trend in our
community,” she continues. “But at least we’re here.” While it’s an extremely rewarding thing she’s doing,
and she loves that she gets to help people every day, there is a downside, Delaney-Spindler says: There will always
be people who don’t think they should be doing what they’re doing. Continued on A22
FR FREE EE AND C CONFIDENTIAL ONFIDENTIAL ser services, vices, ssupports, upports, and resources for young people ages 12 – 24 and their families, including:
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A12 Wednesday, January 29, 2020
OVERDOSE PREVENTION
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OVERDOSE PREVENTION
Campbell River Mirror
Wednesday, January 29, 2020 A21
Opioids: What they are and how they work Opioids are a type of depressant that slows the body’s systems, including breathing, and can make people sleepy. They can be prescribed by a physician or used illegally. Opioids can be swallowed, injected, absorbed through the skin or inhaled or smoked, and are used to reduce pain, manage opioid dependence, or to make someone feel happy or relaxed. Common opioids include heroin, fentanyl, morphine, methadone, codeine and oxycodone.
What is fentanyl? An extremely potent opioid pain reliever, fentanyl is generally administered in a hospital via skin patch, injection or tablet, or prescribed by a doctor, to help control severe pain.
What makes fentanyl so dangerous? A cheap way for drug dealers to make street drugs more powerful, illegal fentanyl and fentanyl-like drugs such as carfentanil are contaminating Canada’s illegal drug supply. At 20 to 40 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, the risk of accidental overdose is very high, especially when street drugs can contain unknown amounts of fentanyl. It can be mixed with drugs, and is found in counterfeit pills made to look like prescription opioids. You can’t see, taste or smell it and a few grains can be enough to kill you – why we’re seeing high rates of overdoses and related deaths. Illicit fentanyl is manufactured in clandestine drug labs, overseas and in Canada. It may be cut into powders or pressed into pills, says the BC Centre of Disease Control website, Toward the Heart. Fentanyl is sometimes sold as fentanyl but other illegal drugs can also contain it, including heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, crack or meth. It may be in powder, liquid or pill-form drugs. These may contain toxic contaminants or have different levels of fentanyl in each batch. Even pills produced in the same batch may have little to lethal levels of fentanyl.
Overdose: What to do: • call 9-1-1 immediately • provide rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) • administer naloxone
A22 Wednesday, January 29, 2020
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OVERDOSE PREVENTION
AVI: Frustrating to hear negativity around their services, but they know their value reframes the discussion for them. But one of their frustrations she totally understands. There are people who would While they track the number of rather, it seems, that the people she supplies going out the door, she and her team serves, just die. knows that a lot of the people who “It’s pretty difficult to hear use their services aren’t going to those viewpoints, for sure,” Deldispose of those supplies responsianey-Spindler says. “But I try to bly, and they could end up in plactell myself that those people are es they’re not welcome. probably coming at this from a “We try to, especially with the pretty privileged viewpoint and syringes that go out, encourage hasn’t had to deal with substance that people bring them back to us use or a family member with a substance use disorder and I try to in order to keep our community clean, by providing incentives for reframe it for folks. people to bring us back their used “I try to say to them: If this human being – and this is a fellow rigs and needles, including monthly draws for gift cards, because it has human being we’re talking about here – is going to use drugs, which been an issue in the community,” she says. “We’re definitely trying to they are, isn’t it better that we’re here to a) give them a clean supply, do more and more things in terms of working with bylaw and our b) support them if they want to neighbours to create safer spaces make a change, c) help them to for everybody.” stay alive another day so they can While they are funded by Island make that choice tomorrow if they don’t want to today? They’re going Health, primarily, but also a numto use whether we’re here or not, so ber of other funding partners, Dellet’s mitigate disease transmission. aney-Spindler says there’s simply not enough money flowing into the Let’s mitigate death.” problem. So while she’s frustrated by the “You can’t just throw money people who feel that way – and she sees a lot of it, unfortunately – she at problems like this and make says she tends to see people look at them go away,” she admits, “but if there was more money, we could the situation differently once she
Continued from A11
Delaney-Spindler works away at her makeshift office space, surrounded by dehumidifiers and heaters as they attempt to dry out the facility after a recent equipment failure. She’s happy to say they lost zero hours of service due to the situation, and thanks the users of the facility themselves for stepping up to help clean up when they arrived to find the facility flooded. Photo by Mike Davies/Campbell River Mirror hire more staff, our hours could be greater, our outreach could be extended into outlying communities – so many people come in from Gold River, Sayward, Cortes, to get supplies to take out to their communities and we’d love to try and help them more. “We could just straight-up help more people if we had more resources.”
But what they already do is certainly appreciated by those they serve, as evidenced by their willingness to step in at a moment’s notice after staff arrived one Saturday morning and found the facility flooded due to an equipment failure. “At some point on Friday night, something burst,” Delaney-Spindler says. “And it ran all night into
our office, and when we got here Saturday morning, we got Johnny Dollar plumbing in and Ripple Rock Restorations in right away – and they’ve been phenomenal in supporting us – and we had several of our service users who stepped up right away, pushing water out the door, grabbing mops and dust bins or whatever they could to get water out of here. “It was absolutely an all-handon-deck type situation, and they did it willingly and happily. They value us as much as we value them, and it was amazing and heartwarming to see the camaraderie and the coming together to help us.” The OPR was closed for two days, but they didn’t lose any service hours, because they managed to get a temporary shelter set up in the parking lot so they could continue to offer services. And so, the facility continues to be open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is located at 1371 (c) Cedar Street, behind the Salvation Army Lighthouse Community Kitchen. You can find more information about their services at avi.org
The Campbell River RCMP and
Overdose Safety
You don’t need a referral and most therapies are covered for residents of BC. There are resources, services and medications that can help you be well. Visit your doctor or a care provider to explore treatment pathways. For more information, visit: islandhealth.ca/oat
This is a bigger issue beyond policing which requires a multi-pronged approach that includes prevention, education, harm reduction and enforcement. Simply put, we cannot arrest our way out of this crisis. Thanks to the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act in Canada, an individual can be provided legal protection for basic drug possession if they seek emergency help during an overdose incident, whether they are a witness or are experiencing the overdose themselves. Calling 911 when someone is having an overdose saves lives; staying with them to explain what the individual took and how long they’ve been experiencing symptoms helps emergency personnel determine what course of action they should take. Through our partnership with other law enforcement agencies such as the BC Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the RCMP has moved forward with significant initiatives that deal with this emerging crisis in the most impactful way. The RCMP has taken a proactive approach on education surrounding the dangers of opioids.We are focusing our enforcement efforts associated to opioids on the importation, production, distribution and trafficking of these drugs.
Campbell River Mirror
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Wednesday, January 29, 2020 A23
OVERDOSE PREVENTION
Naloxone: What you need to know to save a life
2019 HERO OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT: SYLAS THOMPSON
that accompanies an opioid overdose. While it doesn’t work with non-opioid drugs, such as cocaine or ecstasy, it won’t hurt the individual if they haven’t used an opioid. And if multiple substances have been used, administering naloxone will address the opioid. To administer naloxone, it can be injected into a large muscle, such as a thigh, upper arm or buttock, or given as a nasal spray. While naloxone works quickly – within three to five minutes – it stops working within 20 to 90 minutes and if overdose symptoms return, additional doses may be required. Naloxone kits Naloxone kits are available at no cost to people at risk of an opioid overdose or those likely to witness or respond to an overdose – such as the friends or family of someone at risk. Kits are also available for purchase from pharmacies, where pharmacists can instruct you how to administer it. Included in the kits are instructions about responding to someone who is overdosing,
LOCAL
HERO
AWARDS
presented by
& **NEW** ANIMAL ADVOCATE: This individual has directly impacted the well-being of animals.They have rescued, protected or enhanced the quality of life of animals locally, outside of BC and beyond.Through their leadership they have created positive change to respect and protect animals and/or displayed outstanding behaviour in honour of animals. ARTS ADVOCATE This individual(s) is vital to the diversity of our community and encourages participation, and social well-being.They encourage partnerships and initiatives to support the arts, heritage and cultural landscape of the Campbell River. COACH This individual(s) makes a positive contribution to our sports community.They are exemplary in developing skills and confidence in participants, inspires youth, and encourage a high level of athletic achievement and commitment. COMMUNITY BUILDER This individual or group has taken the initiative to engage residents in an innovative or new community project or event.The initiative might encourage different groups to collaborate, address a gap in community participation, or result in a more inclusive, engaged community initiative or event. COMMUNITYVOLUNTEER This individual(s) makes a positive contribution to the community by volunteering their time and are significantly relied upon by others. COURAGE & BRAVERY This individual(s) has exhibited great bravery while facing a threat to their own safety in coming to the aid of another.While conquering fear, this individual triumphed for the benefit of another.
naloxone and syringes to administer it, alcohol wipes, gloves, disposable breathing mask. Learn more: If you’d like to learn more about naloxone and how to administer it in case of an overdose, Toward the Heart offers both a free online course and a video. The course, which takes just 15 to 20 minutes to complete, walks you through both background
information and the administration of naloxone, including several instructive videos. Take the free, online course at towardtheheart.com/naloxonecourse • Learn more about overdose prevention at towardtheheart. com • For more information on overdose awareness in BC, visit stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca.
Where can I find NALOXONE? North Island Medical Clinic 1405 Spruce St., 250-86-1334 Kwakiutl Health Centre – Campbell River 1400A Drake Rd, 250-286-9766 Kwakiutl Health Centre – Quinsam Office 2005 Eagle Dr., 250-286-8064 AVI Campbell River 1371 - C Cedar St., 250-830-0787 Campbell River Mental Health & Substance Use Services 207 - 1040 Shoppers Row, 250-850-2620 Campbell River Health Unit 200 - 1100 Island Hwy., 250-850-2110 Laichwiltach Family Life Society 441 4th Ave., 250-286-3430 Sunshine Wellness Centre 375 2nd Ave., 250-850-2605 Quadra Island Medical Clinic 3A - 654 Harper Rd., Quathiaski Cove
PHARMACIES
Campbell River Health & Drug Store B1B - 465 Merecroft Rd., 250-286-1771 London Drugs 260 - 1400 Dogwood St. Real Canadian Superstore 1424 Island Hwy, 250-830-2735 Save-On-Foods Pharmacy 400 - 1400 Dogwood St., 250-286-1245 Shoppers Drug Mart (Tyee Plaza) 1297 Shoppers Row, 250-286-1166 Shoppers Drug Mart (Hilchey Rd.) 101 - 801 Hilchey Rd., 250-923-1575 Thrifty Foods 1400 Ironwood Rd., 250-850-3585 Pharmasave – Campbell River (Willow Point) 102 - 2276 South Island Hwy., 250-923-7311
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ADVOCATE This individual has made a significant contribution to the community to increase awareness and advocate for a community culture where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized and celebrated. EDUCATOR This individual(s) demonstrates a high level of ethics and professional standards, is an inspirational motivator, excellent communicator, good listener and a reliable resource to the community and his/her students. EMERGENCY SERVICES This individual(s) makes a positive contribution by going the extra mile.They are exemplary in the area of emergency services and unselfishly shoulder enormous responsibility while accepting the potential risks and challenges of the job. ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP This individual(s) makes a positive contribution to the community by championing environmentally friendly initiatives.They inspire others to be green by being a leading or advocating in ecologically sound practices. HEALTHCARE HERO This person shows exceptional performance in their respective field. Their passion and dedication is evident through the care and compassion they provide to their patients. A Healthcare Hero supports their team and is someone whose colleagues can look to for inspiration, guidance and support. HERO OFTHEYEAR This individual rises above the rest by demonstrating unwavering leadership, compassion and community spirit in all that he or she does. He or she makes a genuine and significant contribution to the Valley and is a natural community role model. **NEW** MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE: A community minded individual who is the voice for those suffering from depression, anxiety, or any other mental or psychological disorder.Through their actions and activism they have demonstrated their commitment to help, seek support, connect individuals with helpful resources and create awareness in our community on this sensitive issue. SENIORS’ CHAMPION This individual(s) has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to enrich the social, cultural or civic life of our community. Must be 65 years or older.
March 1st NOMINATION CUT OFF
What do we mean by opioid overdose? An overdose happens when the body is exposed to a toxic amount of a substance or combination of substances, and it can happen to anyone, regardless of substance use history, explains Toward the Heart in its Naloxone Administration course (towardtheheart.com). In response, the body cannot maintain the processes necessary for life, such as breathing, heart rate or body temperature. Someone experiencing an opioid overdose might exhibit slow, shallow irregular or no breathing, for example, may be unresponsive – you’re unable to wake them up – they may make unusual gurgling, snoring or choking sounds, and they may have blue lips or nails, cold, clammy skin and tiny pupils. While an overdose isn’t necessarily fatal, without quick treatment, brain damage can result. Naloxone is the drug used to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose and it’s available in BC without a prescription. Naloxone temporarily reverses life-threatening slowed breathing
YOUTHVOLUNTEER This young individual (under 18) makes a positive contribution to the community through volunteer efforts, community engagement, leading by example, and has directly impacted the community.
INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS NOMINATE ANMADE A DIFFERENCE hero.campbellrivermirror.com