Those affected say ‘archaic’ drug policies caused thousands of preventable deaths 5 years into overdose crisis
Announcement comes on 5-year anniversary of B.C.’s first public health emergency
The year of the pandemic saw record-high overdose deaths
There have been several overdoses per day recently in the city
The drugs contain benzodiazepines which are not affected by naloxone
Pandemic exacerbated ongoing dire state of opioid crisis in B.C.
The drug, containing fentanyl and benzodiazepines, poses a high risk of overdose
Iliajah Pidskalny rides to raise awareness, funds for Canadian drug policy change
Some addiction doctors have criticized the lack of safer drugs for those experiencing entrenched addiction
Kennedy Stewart says he’s encouraged by the federal health minister’s commitment to work with the city
It pins the blame largely on a lack of supports, a corrupted drug supply
B.C. is dealing with two public health crises
Pink fentanyl and purple down discovered, both may not be responsive to Naloxone
The initiative comes at a time when overdose deaths are spiking
Overdose deaths, however, are down in the city
Top doctors have called for increased access to a safe supply of illicit drugs to prevent deaths
Son trusted his dealer, but didn’t know there was fentanyl in his cocaine
