Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada has partnered with Narcan (naloxone hydrochloride 4mg) Nasal Spray manufacturers, Adapt Pharma Canada, in the fight against the devastating fallout of Canada’s opioid crisis.
Boys and Girls Clubs nationwide, a total of 700 locations, now have access to the nasal spray free to have onsite and accessible to club staff will help encourage open dialogue about opioid use, and give them confidence in responding to an opioid emergency when seconds matter most.
Nicole Combres, executive director of the Battlefords club, said, “Along with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, we are taking an important stand against an addiction crisis- having knowledgeable and trained staff in opioid overdoses is critical in the work we do within our community. We are grateful for the partnership between Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and Adapt Pharma in that our staff will be trained, receive support and have access to Narcan Nasal Spray. As we offer services to children, youth and their families (some of the most vulnerable), being prepared to respond should a crisis occur is crucial.”
Combres said each club can request a supply and the local club will be doing so.
David Renwick, general manager of Adapt Pharma said, “Our partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada marks a significant moment in the fight against the opioid crisis. It means we’re able to reach even more young people in our communities and ensure that the resources and information they need are readily available to them. The goal is to get as much naloxone in the community as possible.”
Recent statistics show that between 2013 and 2017, youth aged 15 to 24 had one of the fastest-growing rates of hospitalizations due to opioid poisonings, with an increase of 53 per cent.
“Sadly, no community or household is exempt from this crisis. The reality is that our teenage children are often the most vulnerable, whether through exposure to prescription or illicit opioid drugs,” said Owen Charters, President & CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. “This partnership with Adapt Pharma will ensure our member clubs are trained and knowledgeable about opioid overdoses. Too many lives are being taken in communities across Canada and we want to take a stand to ensure more people are equipped to deal with an opioid overdose.”
