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Public forum to tackle overdose crisis
The executive director of Richmond Addiction
Services Society welcomes the opportunity to address the current overdose
crisis at an upcoming community forum.
But Rick Dubras stresses dialogue must not be
fleeting.
“We’ve had addiction issues since colonial
times. We need to continue to address the causes in an ongoing manner,” he
says.
Richmond Public Library is partnering with Richmond Addiction Services and the Overdose Prevention and Education Network on a free public discussion Saturday, Feb. 3 from10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the main Brighouse branch, 7700 Minoru Gate.
The public, and members of local
organizations—including BC Emergency Health Services, City of Richmond, RCMP,
Salvation Army, Pathways Clubhouse, Touchstone Family Services, Turning Point
Recovery Society, Vancouver Coastal Health and Vancouver Area Network of Drug
Users—will collaborate to create a response and prevention plan.
As an outcome, Richmond Addiction Services
will put forward an action plan to all levels of government including the city
and other funders.
“The more we connect and engage our
community, the more we help to increase attention and uncover what needs to
happen in order to prevent substance use from becoming problematic for
individuals, families and communities,” Dubras says.
Too often, he continues, society looks for
the quick fix to its problems. Instead, we need to understand the depth of
issues such as addiction.
“Addiction and substance abuse are complex
issues and we need the time and engagement in order to fully comprehend what is
underlying those issues.”
Policy development, funding and strategic
decisions need to be based on what is needed, Dubras says. It is about
implementing change that not only saves people’s lives, but provides better
understanding of the barriers and treatments.
While the Feb. 3 event is free to attend,
registration is required tinyurl.com/RichmondAddict
Lunch will be provided to registered
participants, and parents with children are welcome to attend as free
child-minding will be available by request at info@richmondaddictions.ca.
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