Pubdate: Sat, 29 Aug 2015
Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 The Hamilton Spectator
Contact:  http://www.thespec.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/181
Author: Molly Hayes
Page: A4

DAY TO REMEMBER LIVES LOST TO DRUG OVERDOSES

Monday is International Overdose Awareness Day, and the city is
embracing the opportunity to talk about drugs.

As part of its increased investment in harm reduction programs,
Hamilton's public health unit is holding a tribute to those who have
lost their lives to drug addiction - and those living with addictions.

This is the first acknowledgment of the day in Hamilton, but after a
spike in opioid deaths last summer, the city is eager to hold the event.

"This is just a good continuance of that work and trying to raise
awareness that the dangers are still out there," said Linda
Blake-Evans, manager of the city's harm reduction program.

"We've lost people. Families have lost people, and it's
tragic."

Drugs are a taboo subject, a cause of death that is often glossed over
in an obituary. As with suicide, stigma can make it difficult for
families to talk about their loved one's overdose death.

"With addiction, there's always that stigma and shame and isolation.
And when there's a death by substance abuse, the isolation often
continues," says psychologist Lori Triano-Antidormi, a professional
consultant for Bereaved Families of Ontario (BFO).

BFO - which will be at Monday's event - has held two events this year
specifically for families who've lost loved ones to substance abuse.

The latest one, in June, was standing room only, Triano-Antidormi
says. "Sadly, there's a need."

In 2013, there was roughly one opioid death every 14 hours in
Ontario.

Three parents who've lost children to drugs will speak at the event
Monday, as well as guests from the aboriginal community.

Another goal of the event is to highlight community resources. More
than 20 local agencies have signed up to run information booths.

Public Health distributed free naloxone kits (an opioid antidote often
compared with an EpiPen) to 295 people last year. Of them, 20 per cent
- - 56 people - had to have their kits refilled, meaning 56 overdoses
were likely prevented.

Frontline workers across the country have called for expanded access
to naloxone, which is distributed only by health professionals.

Just this week, the general council of the Canadian Medical
Association passed a resolution to support a national naloxone strategy.
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MAP posted-by: Matt