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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom