Awareness and Prevention
Stop the Stigma
"Stop the stigma" refers to actively working against negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discrimination associated with mental health, substance use, or other sensitive topics. It involves challenging misconceptions, promoting understanding, and creating a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Alberta Stats
https://health-infobase.canada.ca/substance-related-harms/opioids-stimulants/
Naloxone kits Distribution and Training
Naloxone is a drug that temporarily reverses effects of an opioid poisoning or overdose.
There are over 2,000 sites in Alberta, where anyone can pick up a kit free of charge. Training is available wherever kits are provided. Kits can be obtained anonymously.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/dsa/Page15586.aspx
Digital Overdose Response Systems (DORS)
The Digital Overdose Response System (DORS) is a free, discrete mobile app that can help prevent overdose deaths among people using opioids and other substances while alone. The DORS app can be downloaded from any smart phone's app store, or through the links available on https://www.dorsapp.ca
Safety consumption sites
Supervised consumption services save lives and benefit communities. Supervised consumption sites provide a safe, clean space for people to bring their own drugs to use, in the presence of trained staff. This prevents accidental overdoses and reduces the spread of infectious diseases, such as HIV.
Supervised consumption sites may offer a range of evidence-based harm reduction services, such as drug checking. The sites also provide access to important health and social services, including substance use treatment for those who are ready.