Ktunaxa Nation Council Hosts Overdose Awareness Day Event: “Together We Can”

 

 

 

 

Event Details

Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024

Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location: Rotary Park, Cranbrook, B.C.

Free BBQ and refreshments for attendees

 

August 28, 2024: For Immediate Release

Ktunaxa Nation Council to Host Overdose Awareness Day Event: “Together We Can”

ʔa·kisk̓aqǂiʔit Cranbrook, B.C. – On Saturday, August 31, Cranbrook is invited to join the global community in observing International Overdose Awareness Day 2024 with a special event at Rotary Park from 11 AM to 1 PM.

The event, themed “Together We Can,” aims to bring together the people of Cranbrook and the East Kootenay region in a collective effort to raise awareness and offer hope in the face of the overdose crisis.

“This week serves as a pivotal opportunity to educate the Ktunaxa Nation Council staff and public about the signs of an overdose, the importance of naloxone as a life-saving medication and the need for increased access to harm reduction and services by sharing knowledge on how to recognize and respond to an overdose,” said Debbie Whitehead, Special Advisor to the Ktunaxa Nation Council.

“The Ktunaxa Nation Council, alongside our healthcare partners, has been responding to the overdose crisis through harm reduction, community outreach and advocacy—in the midst of our grief,” she said.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with others in their community, learn about resources and services, take naloxone training, and stand in solidarity with those affected by overdose. The event will feature a free BBQ and refreshments, creating a welcoming space for dialogue and support.

“The Ktunaxa Nation Council, alongside our healthcare partners, has been responding to the overdose crisis through harm reduction, community outreach, and advocacy, in the midst of our grief,” said Whitehead.

“The overdose crisis has touched every corner of our communities. It affects people from all walks of life, and no one should face this alone.”

To that goal, she said Ktunaxa Nation Council is developing a strategic action plan to respond to the opioid crisis and continues to provide services to those affected.

“We try to meet people where they are at,” Whitehead said. “Our staff provides essential services at the Complex Care house, through Operation Street Angel, and via roving outreach workers. As a next step, we connect people to counseling and Opioid Agonist Therapies through our health services. We support individuals through detox and treatment applications and help them access funding for treatment.”

Whitehead values the collaborations that Ktunaxa Nation maintains with Interior Health, First Nations Health Authority, the Province of B.C., and local community partners such as Ankors and the RCMP, which is leading to a more coordinated response to the crisis.

“The toxic drug supply is fueled by criminal networks who don’t care about people,” Whitehead said. “But we care. These are our family members, our loved ones, our neighbours, our kin. Our communities are disproportionately affected by the crisis, but it touches everyone.”

Whitehead said the theme, ‘Together We Can,’ is a reminder that uniting efforts is the most effective way to save lives. “Together means everyone,” she said, “without stigma.”

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.

Residents of Cranbrook and the surrounding areas are encouraged to attend the event, connect with their community, and join the global movement to end overdose.

About International Overdose Awareness Day: #TogetherWeCan #EndOverdose #IOAD2024
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is a global event held on August 31st each year. It aims to raise awareness of overdose, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends. IOAD spreads the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable. For more information, visit www.overdoseday.com