When the opioid crisis began in B.C., H.O.P.E. Outreach started to distribute naloxone kits in Kelowna and Vernon.
“During the first nine months of 2018, 3,286 Canadians lost their lives to apparent opioid-related overdoses.”
Public Health Agency of Canada, 2019
Initially, H.O.P.E. Outreach gave out kits on the streets of Kelowna and Vernon. However, since most of recent overdose deaths happened in a private residence or home (Ministry of Public Safety and Solictor General, 2018,) therefore we know more work is needed to expand current training.
The opioid crisis is still ongoing.
We want to ensure that everyone knows how to use naloxone, therefore preventing overdose deaths in those who use drugs alone.
