NORTH BATTLEFORD — The Battlefords Indian Métis Friendship Centre recognized the fourth annual Overdose Awareness Day Friday with a walk, a flag-raising ceremony at city hall, a barbecue and several presentations.
“We are trying to end the stigma of overdose,” said executive director Jackie Kennedy. “We bring training, we bring facilitators in to give information out so people know what’s out there, that no one is alone.”
Kennedy said people won’t ever completely end overdose from happening.
“There’s always going to be someone that’s going to overdose,” she said. “We are trying to give them some preventative measures for people to know that there’s resources out there, where they can go for help.”
Amanda Maunula of Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre was among those with information tables at the event.
“We’re here supporting Overdose Awareness Day from Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre by providing Naloxone training to anybody who wants it. Narcan and Naloxone help save lives,” she said. “That’s why we’re here doing this today.”
Other participants included the Battlefords Treatment Centre, the Drug Treatment Court, Catholic Family Services of the Battlefords, and Battlefords Victim Services.
Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie said Overdose Awareness Day is important to the community.
“Addictions and overdose is still a stigma in our community, just because of the negativity around it, that a lot of people don’t necessarily get invested as we need them to be,” he said. “So it’s days like this and all the partners here to help bring awareness that overdose is still very much a reality in our community, and one that can be reduced and eliminated if we all work together and find solutions to prevent it.”
North Battleford Deputy Mayor Bill Ironstand said people need to know that addiction is really a health matter.
“Today is more than just awareness,” he said. “It’s about breaking the stigma that surrounds substance use. It’s about recognizing that addiction is a health issue, not a moral failing.”
