Black balloons recognize sombre anniversary

Interior Health will recognize a sombre anniversary in communities across its region on Thursday (April 14).

It was on April 14, 2016, when the province of B.C. declared a public health emergency due to the growing number of opioid overdoses.

“Six years later, close to 1,500 family members, friends, coworkers, teammates, neighbours and friends have been lost to overdose within the Interior Health (IH) region alone,” a news release from IH stated.

In recognition of the anniversary, IH mental health and substance use teams and community partners will display black balloons on Thursday. The acknowledgement of the lives lost is inspired by international Black Balloon Day, which took place on March 6.

IH president and CEO Susan Brown says they continue to expand harm reduction measures and invest in mental health and substance use services.

“We know the steps taken over the last six years, such as distribution of Take Home Naloxone kits, introduction of drug-checking services, opening new supervised consumption services and expanding substance use treatment, have saved countless lives. Unfortunately, the crisis continues in the face of an increasingly unpredictable, poisonous drug supply. We never lose sight of the lives lost and continue to work hard to expand access to harm reduction and treatment,” said Brown.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call 310-MHSU or visit interiorhealth.ca to learn more.

How can you help?

• On April 14, display black balloons at your business/home.
• Take the pledge – avoid stigmatizing language around substance use.
• Carry a naloxone kit and learn how to use it. Find a location where you can get a kit and training.
• Start a conversation – whether you are a parent, friend, or colleague, talking about overdose prevention and substance use is a crucial step.
• Learn how to identify and respond to an overdose. Call 911 in case of overdose – the Good Samaritan law can protect people from drug possession charges if they experience or call 911 after witnessing an overdose.