Pubdate: Wed, 17 Jun 2015
Source: Lethbridge Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2015 The Lethbridge Herald
Contact:  http://www.lethbridgeherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/239
Page: A6

MAKING PROGRESS ON DRUG PROBLEM

Blood Tribe taking action on drug issue

The first step is admitting you have a problem. No doubt we have all 
heard that saying, as for years, those battling an addiction of some 
kind have been told this is the first phase to recovery.

But that admission has to be followed up with action to be effective 
in the end, like the type of action the Blood Tribe is taking to deal 
with its illegal and prescription drug abuse issues.

It has been well-documented there is in fact a problem. Monday, at a 
two-day conference in Standoff, Chief Charlies Weaselhead addressed 
the crowd to discuss one particular drug which has been causing a 
great deal of pain and anguish on the reserve.

The chief pointed to a number deaths in the last year which have been 
tied to drug overdoses, most often surrounding the use of Oxy 80, a 
trend which began to rear its ugly head last July. Things reached a 
breaking point in March when Blood Tribe officials declared a local 
state of emergency.

Coupled with the creation of a Crime Reduction Unit in January, whose 
sole purpose is to deal exclusively with drug investigations, and a 
host of drug-awareness sessions and community rallies, progress is being made.

Weaselhead pointed out there has not been an overdose death in six to 
eight weeks on the reserve, which likely means the message is getting 
across. The establishment of a 24 hour emergency hotline for drug 
users and the Naloxone kits on the reserve, designed to provide a 
quick response to assist those suffering from an opioid overdose, 
shows a strong level of commitment and a desire to improve a 
situation which, not too long ago, appeared to be spiralling out of control.

Through increased awareness and educational sessions, such as those 
provided Monday in Standoff, and through workshops Tuesday in the 
city, change can be brought about. Chief and council has a role to 
play, as does the Prescription Drug Misuse and Illicit Drug Abuse 
Prevention Committee, the groups who teamed up to host this week's conference.

With the co-operation of the police and the communities within the 
reserve, change can be brought about on a large scale. With the 
establishment of the agricultural training initiative as part of the 
Blood Tribe Agricultural Project, for example, work is being done to 
address some of the root causes of drug use, as efforts are being 
made to increase employment opportunities and become more self-sufficient.

The estimated 800 people who took part in Monday's conference session 
in Standoff is a testament to the level of commitment which exists 
locally to improve the situation. Certainly, more work is required, 
but it appears multiple agencies, law enforcement and politicians all 
see the urgent requirement to act, and do all they can to put the 
brakes on harmful drug use in their communities.

The onus is also on the citizens in general, to respond positively to 
these efforts and continue to help their friends, neighbours and 
community members in general make progress and fight their way out of 
what in some cases are desperate situations.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, however, thanks to the 
efforts of many, and the hope is the positive momentum gained in the 
last few months can translate to more success stories.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom