VIMHS

People First Radio

Vancouver Island Mental Health Society

  • Stories from an unsanctioned overdose prevention site launch in the Comox Valley

Stories from an unsanctioned overdose prevention site launch in the Comox Valley

Friday 24th January 2025

Explore the impact of an unsanctioned overdose prevention site in Comox Valley, featuring stories from those affected by addiction and insights from medical professionals.
46 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
Supportive

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People First Radio
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VIMHS
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Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
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Inside an Unsanctioned Overdose Prevention Site: Stories of Struggle and Hope

Episode Overview

  • Overdose prevention sites provide supervised spaces for substance use.
  • Heather Edward shares her journey from homelessness to sobriety.
  • Doctors for Safer Drug Policy advocate for more overdose prevention sites.
  • Harm reduction measures can save lives and reduce healthcare burdens.
  • Education and empathy are key to breaking down stigma around addiction.
I was scared that I was going to die.
In this episode of People First Radio, host Joe Pugh takes you to an unsanctioned overdose prevention site in the Comox Valley. Set up by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy, this pop-up site aims to provide a safe space for individuals to use substances under supervision, reducing the risk of overdose deaths. You'll hear heartfelt stories from those who have experienced addiction firsthand, including Heather Edward, who shares her struggles and triumphs on her journey to sobriety. Dr.
Eva Hemmerich, leading the initiative, discusses the urgent need for such sites and the challenges faced due to political and bureaucratic roadblocks. The episode highlights the importance of empathy and education in addressing addiction, as well as the critical role of harm reduction in saving lives. Tune in to understand the human side of addiction and the ongoing fight for better support systems.