Pubdate: Fri, 25 Nov 2016 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2016 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.timescolonist.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: Louise Dickson Page: A3 AS DEATHS MOUNT, DRUG SITES NEEDED NOW, STANWICK SAYS Sixteen people have died from drug overdoses in B.C. since Island Health began its public consultation on supervised consumption sites on Tuesday, Dr. Richard Stanwick said Thursday. Vancouver Island's chief medical officer of health used the statistic to explain to Victoria city council why Island Health is promoting two applications for supervised consumption sites. "The surgeon general of the United States has called on us to recognize the dependency on drugs and addiction as a chronic medical condition. It is from that perspective we have to look at this problem," Stanwick said. Just before he spoke, about two dozen people held a vigil outside city hall to mourn those who have died from drug overdoses. Shielding their candles from the rain, they gathered in a circle to show solidarity with people who use drugs, and who live with violence, poverty and exclusion. One woman cried as she described saving people's lives only to have them badly treated by paramedics and hospital staff. Stanwick heard the criticism and attributed it to the frustration front-line workers are feeling as they try to do their best for people who use illicit drugs. "But we are really facing a situation of potential burnout." There have been a record number of overdose deaths in November in B.C. and a record number of calls to 911 for overdoses, Stanwick said. One person dealt with 132 overdoses and her only training was basic first aid and basic CPR, he said. "We need to take the pressure off our system. We need to save the lives of people who are injecting," Stanwick said. "We need to do something now. Given the severity of the crisis we're facing, as people are dying as we consult, it's time to move forward." Supervised consumption sites provide hygenic places where people can consume illicit drugs under supervision by trained staff. Victoria resident Leslie Robinson told council that 10 years ago, when she got a job at AIDS Vancouver Island on Cormorant Street, she was afraid. She has realized that a lot of people who are opposed to supervised consumption services are not opposing them out of hatred, they're opposing them out of fear. "My fear has been changed to love," she said, adding that it didn't take long because AIDS Vancouver Island's approach is acceptance. Musician Richard Gauthier, guitar in hand, sang in support of supervised consumption sites. His lyrics were about belonging and people taking care of each other. "When I feel cared for, I'm more likely to care about myself," sang Gauthier. Kristen Kvakic told council she was frustrated by how long response to the crisis is taking. "If I presented at emergency tonight with a health concern I would hope that they would not send me away for 11 months and ask me to come back while they start a task force, maybe another task force, maybe open another centre and do some studies about whether or not my health condition deserves medical and social attention." Beyond supervised consumption sites, the city can work to create a sense of belonging for all its citizens, she said. "It is the stigma that is killing people. It is the lack of space. It is the lack of attention and care to people who do not experience economic privilege," Kvakic said. Since Tuesday, three people she knows have died. "That's three too many." - --- MAP posted-by: Matt