People keep dying
Catching black balloons, dozens of people took to the streets of Vernon on Thursday to draw attention to the ongoing opioid crisis.
It was six years ago when the British Columbia government declared the opioid situation a health emergency.
Since then, more than 9,000 people have died from drug overdoses.
“Actually, I’d call it the other pandemic,” said Chaplain Chuck of the North Okanagan Priesthood. “The number of deaths … it’s hard to keep track of and remember people because they die so fast.
“People are dying all the time and we need to have more resources to help people. Chuck said not only do agencies need to work closely together to support those in crisis, but there needs to be more resources for treatment and recovery.
“We need a detox center here in Vernon, more treatment beds here in Vernon, second and third stages of recovery, we need more of that kind of thing,” Chuck said.
Kelly Ferr’s council was at the event representing the city of Vernon.
Fer said COVID had diverted attention from the opioid crisis over the past few years.
“Now is the opportunity for us to raise awareness about this epidemic, which is killing hundreds and thousands of people,” Fer said.
“We need to start reducing the stigma … people need to feel comfortable talking about the problem, that they have substance abuse problems. It’s not uncommon for people from all walks of life to face this type of experience, “said Fer, who encourages people to seek help and not be ashamed.
The national group Moms Stop The Harm is also raising awareness of the crisis. Their website has stories of those who have lost loved ones, as well as links to numerous support agencies.
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