National Overdose Awareness Day recognized in Woodstock

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Harm Reduction Working Group of the Oxford Mental Health and Addictions Action Coalition (OMHAAC) hosted an International Overdose Awareness Day community event at Museum Square recently.

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed annually on or around Aug. 31 across the world to raise awareness about the alarming increase in drug overdoses globally. It also strives to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders.

Lisa Gillespie chairs the Oxford Harm Reduction Working Group and explained this year’s theme is an important one.

“Together we can, I think it’s a really important message. It’s going to take the whole community to come together. From prevention to treatment to harm reduction to enforcement to prevent these deaths. We also want people to know we care about them and we are here if and when they need us.”

She added more action is needed now more than ever as the overdose crisis in the city is on the rise locally.

“In the last year or two Oxford County has surpassed the provincial average for overdoses. It isn’t a great claim to fame. It isn’t just a big city problem. It is happening right here in our backyard. It’s no more important than right now to bring awareness these deaths can be prevented. There is no reason people should die alone like that.”

Museum Square has been the site of overdoses as witnessed twice by this reporter, but Gillespie said the location was to provide awareness to as many people as possible.

“It’s central and we hope to get foot traffic. Whether it’s people who have concerns with addiction or just the general public. All people are part of our community and we want to rally around them to let them know we care.”

It can be intimidating and even downright scary to come across someone who has overdosed for someone not used to it, unlike first responders who are highly trained. Gillespie is hoping more people will take a supportive role when they see someone in danger in order to help.

“Approach and ask if they are ok. They are human beings and no one wants to see someone struggling. Have a Naloxone kit on hand and know how to use it, know how to recognize the signs of an overdose. If it seems like the person is in trouble and you have a kit, use it. Otherwise, call 911 to get professionals to the scene.”

She is also encouraging more people to get involved with her organization.

“We are always open to new volunteers. It is a community group and we have so many people from different agencies coming together and working together including people with that lived experience. Everybody is welcome and our door is open.”

The OMHAAC has released a Community Update Report, highlighting the key priority areas for the coalition over the next two years.

The four areas of focus in the report are increasing primary prevention and health promotion efforts to address risks and protective factors to prevent substance abuse and mental health concerns; strengthening and exploring low-barrier pathways to support individuals to expand housing, harm reduction and housing initiatives; enhancing treatment services related to substance abuse, mental health and sexual assault; and addressing community safety by fostering partnerships among first responders and community-based organizations.

HART hub application

The city of Woodstock may eventually house what is called a HART hub, meaning Homeless, Addiction, Recovery and Treatment which is a provincial government initiative. The Woodstock Hospital is spearheading the application process, hoping to operate one of 19 such hubs across Ontario.

Woodstock Hospital CEO Perry Lang provided a written statement to the media confirming the hospital is applying.

“Woodstock Hospital is actively collaborating with the Oxford Ontario Health Team and community providers to explore what a HART Hub could look like for Woodstock and Oxford County. We are working towards submitting our intent to apply for a HART Hub by the Sept. 20 deadline, with a plan to submit a full proposal to the provincial government by Oct. 18. We look forward to working with our partners to enhance mental health and addiction support for our community.”