Dawn Gibson

Sooke B次元官网网址 Mirror

An overdose prevention and naloxone training course was held at the Sooke Community Hall last night with hopes of creating a discussion around the issue.

B次元官网网址淭his is the start of a dialogue,B次元官网网址� said Tracey Thompson, regional harm reduction coordinator at Island Health.

taught people how to be prepared in the case of an overdose, including what to do, signs to look for, breathing techniques, and how to use a naloxone kit.

B次元官网网址淚 live in Sooke, and so I thought it was important to bring some awareness to the community because I know people here have been impacted by the overdose crisis,B次元官网网址� said Hermione Jefferis, manager of health promotion and community development at .

Thompson said people are at a higher risk of overdosing when they isolate themselves and are using drugs alone, but people tend to do it because of the stigma behind drug use.

B次元官网网址淧eople can be trained on how to use a but I think creating a conversation is whatB次元官网网址檚 more important, and bringing this topic that has so much stigma behind it into the light,B次元官网网址� said Thomson. B次元官网网址淭his many people showing up demonstrates how much people care about the community they live in.B次元官网网址�

Approximately 30 people were in attendance and Jefferis said this was a great turn out because in a small community sometimes people are afraid for people to know their business, but this showed that people want to step up and help each other out.

are available upon request through Island Health.

B次元官网网址淭his doesnB次元官网网址檛 just affect people who use every day and may be affected, it affects everyone from all walks of life,B次元官网网址� said Jefferis. B次元官网网址淭he issue isnB次元官网网址檛 going anywhere and we need to take action and respond as a community.B次元官网网址�

For more information on overdose prevention and using naloxone kits, please visit the , or contact Tracey Thomson at tracey.thompson@viha.ca.