Public health officials are providing stigma-free support amid increasing drug overdoses.
Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Public Health is supporting the launch of the Support Not Stigma campaign. Trellis HIV Community Care and the Integrated Care Hub (ICH) are receiving $1.5 million from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addiction Program (SUAP) to launch the restorative justice initiative.
The campaign is focused on providing services for those impacted by substance use, such as anti-stigma education and repair counselling to patrons and families of the ICH. KFL&A acknowledged the stigma associated with drug use prevents people seeking treatment, forcing individuals to hide their substance use and increasing their chance of overdose.
The consumption and treatment services in Kingston has reported a 50 per cent increase in drug poisoning, along with “deep sedation and hallucinations” according to a Feb. 29 press release. These drug overdoses aren’t responding well to naloxone, a medication designed to reverse opioid overdose.
In addition to collaborating with the Support Not Stigma campaign, KFL&A conducted community consolations and surveys to understand the needs of equity-deserving community members when it comes to substance abuse support.
“[We’re] engaging in extensive community consultations to explore how decriminalization of drug possession for personal use can serve as a policy option to mitigate substance use harms in the KFL&A community,” KFL&A Public Health said in a statement to The Journal.
KFL&A surveyed 1,800 community members in April and May 2023 to gauge the community’s support for the decriminalization of drugs such as opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The results showed that 63 per cent of respondents believe individuals shouldn’t be charged for possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use, according to CBC.
The City of Kingston reaffirmed its commitment to building a caring community amid the rising number of drug overdoses.
“City Council [is continuing their] ongoing advocacy for increased provincial funding to address mental health and addictions issues as important priorities that will help address the root cause of overdoses and drug poisoning,” Ruth Noordegraaf, director of housing and social services, said in a statement to The Journal.
Tags
drug use, KFL&A Public Health, support not stigma
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