No Stigma In Saving A Life

This opioid crisis does not discriminate. There is no stigma in saving a life.

By addressing the stigma in Vernon, we are helping to save lives in our community. How? Stigma dehumanizes people, leads to hiding and creates barriers. People may then find themselves using alone. And the numbers prove it. The coroner’s report indicates that the majority of people who died from an illicit drug overdose were using alone. Stigma leads people to feel unworthy and unwanted by the community. When we reduce the stigma around substance use and overdoses, it helps to create a safer place for people to reach out.

How can you help? Respectful and person-first language reduces stigma and shame – language does matter. An easy way to help is to just be kind and smile. When people feel valued, safe and cared for, it’s much easier for them to make changes that would otherwise be frightening and unimaginable.

Here’s a glimpse into how stigma affected people who have used substances.

“Stigma makes it hurtful when you are being judged and looked at through a microscope.”

“Stigma can negatively impact people when it comes to obtaining employment or housing by putting up barriers.”

“Negative energy can be used in a positive way. It doesn’t have to be used negatively to create more.”

“Stigma ends lives.”

Check out these videos that were created to help #EndStigma.

By learning about naloxone and carrying naloxone, we are helping to save lives. Naloxone has been used in Canada for decades for emergency situations. You do not need a prescription to get naloxone, and it is free. Naloxone reverses the life-threatening slowed breathing from an opioid overdose. This helps minimize the risk of a brain injury by helping oxygen get to the brain.

Due to the deaths associated with the opioid overdose crisis between the years of 2016 and 2017, Canada’s life expectancy stopped increasing for the first time in 40 years. British Columbia has been the province hardest hit by overdose deaths.

The good news is that we can help. Learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose and pick up a naloxone kit in your community. The most recent reported statistic on the number of naloxone kits used to reverse an opioid overdose in BC is 61,374. Naloxone continues to save many lives.

You can receive free naloxone training and a naloxone kit at local pharmacies, Downtown Mental Health and Substance Use, at the Cammy LaFleur Clinic and at the Vernon Health Centre. You can also receive naloxone training online through Toward the Heart.

For more information about stigma, harm reduction and community resources, please visit VEPAD and Interior Health websites.

Knowledge is power! To keep learning, follow the links below.

Get trained online to use a naloxone kit

Toward the Heart – Reducing Stigma

Stigma & Substance Use YouTube series

Vernon Entrenched People Against Discrimination

Toward the Heart – comprehensive info about naloxone, where to get it and how to use it

Interior Health | Public Health Overdose Emergency

The latest stats on the Take Home Naloxone Program

Illicit Drug Overdose Deaths in BC | Findings of Coroners’ Investigations