VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Debriefing Nanaimo’s International Overdose Awareness Day Event
Debriefing Nanaimo’s International Overdose Awareness Day Event
Debriefing Nanaimo’s International Overdose Awareness Day Event
Monday 9th September 2024
Heather McDonald and Shane Steinhauer discuss Nanaimo's International Overdose Awareness Day event, highlighting personal loss and the need for political action.
22 minutes
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Get the buttons here!Heartfelt Reflections on Overdose Awareness Day
Episode Overview
- Heather McDonald and Shane Steinhauer discuss their experiences at Nanaimo's International Overdose Awareness Day event.
- They highlight the need for more political involvement and support for those affected by substance use.
- Personal stories of loss underscore the ongoing overdose crisis in the community.
- The importance of harm reduction supplies and safe consumption sites is emphasised.
- Advocacy for better access to safe supply and reduced stigma around drug use.
It's hard to keep going, pushing forward, but at the end of the day, you've got to push forward because these are human beings that need care.
Heather McDonald and Shane Steinhauer join People First Radio to discuss the emotional and impactful event held in Nanaimo for International Overdose Awareness Day. Both Heather and Shane are deeply involved in grassroots outreach through their programme, Nightkeepers, which aims to support the community affected by substance use. They share their experiences from the event, highlighting the importance of political involvement and the pressing need for more resources and support for those struggling with addiction.
Heather emphasises the lack of political presence at such events, calling for more active participation from local leaders. Shane echoes these sentiments, stressing that the absence of key figures like the mayor sends a disheartening message to the community. The conversation also touches on the personal losses both have faced, painting a poignant picture of the ongoing overdose crisis. Heather recounts stories of young lives lost too soon, illustrating the devastating impact on families and friends.
Shane speaks candidly about the toll it takes on those working in peer support roles, yet he remains steadfast in his commitment to help. The episode doesn't shy away from controversial topics, such as the distribution of harm reduction supplies at hospitals, which Heather and Shane argue are essential for saving lives.
They advocate for more safe consumption sites and better access to safe supply, aiming to reduce the stigma around drug use and provide necessary support to those in need. This episode is a powerful reminder of the human stories behind the statistics and a call to action for greater compassion and practical solutions in addressing the overdose crisis.