Fraser Health is taking a unique step to try and reduce the number of fatal overdoses in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31.
On Monday, Aug. 27 at 1 p.m. Fraser Health will conduct a live demonstration showing how to properly administer naloxone, according to a press release from the health authority.
The live demonstration will take place on Fraser Health’s Facebook page where viewers can follow along and ask questions in real time.
“The tragedy of overdose deaths is preventable because overdoses are reversible if they are responded to early enough. Our opioid prevention and response strategy includes the expansion of naloxone availability. Naloxone saves lives by effectively reversing overdoses,” said Dr. Aamir Bharmal, Fraser Health medical health officer. “Even if you have had naloxone training, it is important to refresh those skills on a regular basis through practice and online training.”
The Facebook Live session is part of a five-day-long initiative by Fraser Health meant to educate the public on how to recognize and respond to an overdose. Fraser Health staff will also be taking part in a number of overdose response practice drills, and the health authority is encouraging its community partners and first responders to do the same, according to the release.
Since April 2016, more than 26,000 take-home naloxone kits have been distributed by Fraser Health while more than 114,000 have been handed out provincewide.
“We are saving lives by equipping British Columbians with the right tools and the right knowledge to respond to the overdose crisis,” said New Westminster MLA and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Judy Darcy, in the release.
Nearly 3,000 people have died of an illegal drug overdose in British Columbia, including 51 in New Westminster, since April 2016, when the overdose crisis was declared a public health emergency.
For more information www.fraserhealth.ca/overdose, and to watch the live naloxone demonstration go to www.facebook.com/FraserHealthAuthority on Aug. 27 at 1 p.m.
