Every day, more than 20 people in Canada die from unregulated toxic drugs. Those deaths can often be prevented if the opioid inhibitor naloxone is administered in time.
That’s why, throughout convention, delegates took part in hands-on-harm reduction training, learning to spot signs of opiate overdoes, when to call 911, how to safely approach people overdosing, and how to provide naloxone nasally or intramuscularly.
Led by activists from CUPE harm reduction locals 5399, from Ontario, and 5536, from British Columbia, the workshops drew overflow crowds. Many delegates shared that the issue was deeply personal for them and all left with the life-saving skills they need to help people who use drugs.