Overdose awareness event held in Tillsonburg

Mark Renaud and Vanessa Fortner of the Downtown Tillsonburg BIA, on the right, stopped by the International Overdose Awareness Day table in front of the Tillsonburg Town Centre last Thursday. From the left, Pattie Monaghan, Alex McDonald and Robin Johnston explained about Naloxone and some of the issues in the county. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

A coalition of groups worked to raise awareness of problems with drugs in advance of International Overdose Awareness Day with a display in Tillsonburg last week.

The Oxford Mental Health Addictions Action Coalition, Regional HIV AIDS Connection and the Heart Hub Mobile Health Outreach Bus. The stop in Tillsonburg on Aug. 27 was one of three in the county.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of International Overdose Awareness Day. The theme “25 Years On. Still Needed” pays heed to the ongoing impact of overdoses on individuals, families and communities worldwide. It honours those lost to overdose, acknowledges the grief of those left behind, and recognizes the dedication of individuals, families, advocates, service providers, and organizations who have worked tirelessly to prevent overdose deaths and support those affected by substance use. It is also a reminder that overdose is preventable and that continued awareness, compassion, and evidence-informed action are still needed to save lives.

The display in front of the Tillsonburg Town Center aimed to educate people about drug poisoning and overdose awareness. A memorial was also set up for people to pay tribute to those lost through overdoses.

Pattie Monaghan of Oxford Mental Health Addictions Action Coalition explained there is a growing pattern with more fentanyl being cut with the veterinary tranquilizer xylazine or human sleeping medication benzodiazepine. These additives make it easier to overdose.

While she advised having Naloxone on hand, she said if xylazine is added to the mix, it won’t work.

“Sometimes that may not be enough, and you need to call for medical attention,” said Alex McDonald of the Regional HIV AIDS Connection.

While the problem of overdoses is worse in Woodstock than Tillsonburg, there is still a problem. While Monaghan said an overdose happened down the street at the event in Woodstock the day before, there was also a call for Naloxone for an overdose while she was in the midst of the interview in Tillsonburg.

Speaking more about benzodiazepines, McDonald said withdrawal from it causes a user to take more fentanyl, resulting in an overdose. There have been two overdose deaths in Oxford since the beginning of June.

Free Naloxone kits

Naloxone kits were also handed out during Thursday’s event.

“You can’t use it wrong,” McDonald said. “If you give it to someone who is not overdosing, you can’t hurt them. If they are, you may save them.”

If a person is found passed out, the advice was to try to wake them, and if they are unresponsive, administer Naloxone and call 9-1-1.

Robin Johnston, a community partner with the programs, said everyone should have a Naloxone kit to save lives, explaining it’s not just for people on the streets.

“It could be someone whose grandfather forgot they had taken meds (and double doses), or someone who touched a surface with drugs on it,” she explained, adding addiction can start as a prescription and when the pain hasn’t gone away, the person turns to the streets.

Monaghan believes it’s good for downtown business owners to have a kit on hand, even if the owner and staff aren’t comfortable administering it. She said someone on the street could run in if they witness an overdose victim looking for a kit. Monaghan also pointed out that a person who administers Naloxone can’t be held liable under the Good Samaritan Act.

About 20 to 30 people stopped by the table in Tillsonburg on Thursday.

“It’s a place people come and share their stories,” said Johnston said.

They also hear stories of people dealing with problems with alcohol.

The Heart Hub

The Heart Hub’s Mobile Health Outreach Bus visits the encampments in town once per week, providing snacks, water, socks, and essentials. A nurse practitioner is also along in case wound care is needed.

Heather Nowlan, an outreach worker with the Heart Hub, said this is the second year in Tillsonburg. Besides the encampment visits, she is also at the library from 10 a.m. to noon on Mondays to help replace stolen or lost photo IDs and fill out paperwork such as dental plan applications. She said it’s usually a steady day. A nurse practitioner is also available for care at the Livingston Center.