VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
8 years of a public health emergency in B.C.
8 years of a public health emergency in B.C.
8 years of a public health emergency in B.C.
Friday 19th April 2024
Leslie McBain of Moms Stop The Harm shares her story and highlights the human toll of B.C.'s drug crisis eight years into the public health emergency.
28 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
Honest
About this podcast
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VIMHS
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Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
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Get the buttons here!The Human Impact of B.C.'s Public Health Emergency
Episode Overview
- Leslie McBain shares her personal story of losing her son to an overdose.
- Over 42,000 people have died from toxic drugs in Canada over the past eight years.
- Moms Stop The Harm advocates for ending substance use-related stigma and deaths.
- The need for a regulated drug supply is highlighted as a crucial solution.
- Criticism of media portrayal and political response to the drug crisis.
The deaths are piling up and they are people, they’re not just a number
Eight years after British Columbia declared a public health emergency due to a surge in drug-related overdoses and deaths, Leslie McBain, co-founder of Moms Stop The Harm, wants to keep the human impact at the forefront. In this episode of People First Radio, Leslie shares her personal journey after losing her son, Jordan, to an overdose. She co-founded Moms Stop The Harm with Petra Schultz and Lorna Thomas, both of whom also lost their sons to drug-related incidents.
Together, they formed a network advocating to end substance use-related stigma, harms, and death. Leslie discusses the alarming rise in deaths due to toxic drugs, highlighting that over 42,000 people have died in the past eight years in Canada. She stresses that these numbers represent real people—family members, friends, and colleagues—not just statistics. Leslie also touches on the political landscape, expressing frustration over the lack of effective government response and the politicisation of harm reduction measures.
Throughout the conversation, Leslie emphasises the need for a regulated drug supply and criticises the media for perpetuating stigmatizing images of drug users. She calls for more public awareness and urges listeners to educate themselves and advocate for policy changes that support those affected by addiction. Leslie's heartfelt narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing crisis and the urgent need for compassionate and effective solutions.
If you're looking for an episode that combines personal stories with broader social issues, this one is a must-listen.