1/5 On International Overdose Awareness Day in a year where we have seen more overdose deaths than ever before in our community, now more than ever I believe it is #TimeToAct.

Time to remove the morality narrative from this issue. We do not withhold cancer treatments when...

2/5 we are unsure whether they will fully cure the disease, we do not require patients to pass a judgement test on their trans-fat intake before receiving heart surgery. Effective health care and social services are based on the fundamental principle of non-judgement. This...

3/5 is imperative, and needs to be applied equally to those requiring support for substance use and addictions.

Time to adequately fund the full spectrum of services required to combat this issue. We do not expect complex health problems to be solved by one method - instead we

4/5 invest in research, multiple forms of treatment, methods of prevention, public awareness and more. There is evidence and expertise in the field that need to be supported in a consistent, sustained manner to make a difference.

Time to remove the stigma...

5/5 The tainted drug supply endangers all of us in this community. The overdose crisis affects our neighbours, our colleagues and our own families. This is a community wide issue. Let’s tackle it together. #OverdoseAwarenessDay