The opioid drug fentanyl has been in the news a lot lately, but often its terrible impacts aren’t named enough. Saskatoon remains in the grip of a months-long opioid poisoning crisis, with 435 overdoses responded to March 1-18 alone. This has been devastating for families, first responders, and community supports. Such crises can and do happen in any community of any size, striking without warning.
In Matthew 25: 37-40, Jesus tells us how to respond to these needs. Jesus reminds us again and again through his ministry and words that loving our neighbours is as important as loving God, and is an expression of loving God.
One of the United Church ministries most affected by this reality is Saskatoon’s core neighbourhoods’ Integrated Community Ministries (ICM), which is funded in large part by your Mission and Service givings and donations. Below is a message from ICM director Chantalle Morrow-Fesciuc. ICM is at the epicentre of this crisis, although as Chantalle reminds us, all parts of Saskatoon, and all parts of the province are affected. Rural and remote areas can be especially hard hit because there are fewer services. And everywhere, stereotyping and misinformation are realities that are, in their own way, equally fatal.
At ICM’s request, Living Skies asks you to learn about harm reduction, consider naloxone training, and above all, ask the provincial government to fund harm reduction and supervised consumption sites so that poisoning can be prevented, treatment be quickly given, and people directed to supports to help them reduce or stop substance use. A sample letter to use as you wish is posted here.
Some background
An overview of the crisis across Canada, the factors driving it, and possible responses, is available from the Canadian Public Health Association. It’s a longer read, but given the stereotypes and misinformation surrounding this deeply painful situation, it’s crucial that we try to educate ourselves. Moms Stop the Harm is also a great grassroots group to follow (and includes people of all genders).
Naloxone, which Chantalle references below, is an injected or nasal spray medication that often reverses the death-dealing effects of drugs contaminated with fentanyl, and allows people to resume breathing. Sask Health offers a map of where Naloxone kits can be accessed. The best time to receive naloxone training is well before it is needed.
A call to advocacy
Please find here a sample letter for an urgent appeal for provincial funding of safe consumption sites and other supports, to help save lives and to create supports for paths to recovery. Our voices do make a difference.
Message from Integrated Community Ministries
Chantalle writes,
“I am writing to acknowledge the troubling increase in overdoses and deaths due to overdoses that we have recently experienced in our city. It is heartbreaking to see so many lives affected by substance use, and I want to extend my support to anyone impacted by this crisis.
It is crucial to recognize that this epidemic isn’t confined to the core community of our city; it touches lives in every neighbourhood, reflecting a widespread and urgent challenge that we all must address. Many families and individuals beyond the city center are struggling, and this reality calls for our collective awareness and action. If you or someone you know is dealing with the effects of overdose in your community, I invite you to reach out.
It’s essential that we come together to tackle this challenge and provide the necessary support for those in need.
As we confront this crisis, let me shine a light on the numerous initiatives ICM has launched to support those impacted. Our community is coming together to offer essential resources, outreach efforts, and engagement opportunities designed to assist individuals and families in navigating these difficult times. By collaborating with local organizations, we are committed to fostering a safer environment and enhancing awareness about addiction issues.
Additionally, I have naloxone kits available for distribution. This medication can reverse overdoses and save lives, and I am more than willing to share these resources with anyone who needs them.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to discuss this further or if you are in need of a naloxone kit. Let’s work together to make our community safer and support those who are struggling. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.”
