International Overdose Awareness Day IOAD – Takes place on August 31. The world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose and bring awareness to the cause and prevention of drug poisoning (overdose) injuries. The 2024 theme is “Together we can”.
“Together We Can” with REACH Niagara and Positive Living Niagara:
In the global fight against toxic street drugs, Niagara is facing significant challenges. From January to June 2024, Niagara Emergency Services responded to 406 suspected opioid overdoses, averaging nearly 68 overdoses per month, or over 2 per day. In 2023, Niagara recorded more than 100 overdose-related deaths and saw an average of over 11 hospitalizations per month due to opioid overdoses. The tragic loss of life is profound, and the strain on our medical system is substantial. Our Emergency Departments dealt with an average of 47 overdoses per month throughout 2023.
Substance use is a multifaceted issue with far-reaching consequences. Preventing overdoses and reducing harm involves a broad spectrum of strategies. Positive Living Niagara uses a harm reduction model to support people who use substances. REACH Niagara supports this mission by providing medical treatment for addiction. Both organizations focus on the client, offering comprehensive support to help them achieve their personal goals. This support may include housing assistance, reconnecting with family and friends, access to additional addiction services, and counseling.
Individuals struggling with substance use often face significant health challenges that hinder their ability to address the underlying causes of their addiction. A team-based approach to wellness is crucial in helping clients explore and address the “why” behind their drug use. Building meaningful, trusting relationships with clients is essential so we can assist them effectively when they are ready to make positive changes in their lives.
No single organization can address all the needs of our community alone but “Together We Can”. That’s why Positive Living Niagara has teamed up with REACH Niagara to ensure that clients receive comprehensive care for their health needs. “Together we can”. REACH Niagara offers mobile healthcare services to community members who lack stable access to essentials such as food, shelter, and clothing, and those experiencing intimate partner violence. Their specialized programs are dedicated to healthcare and addiction care.
The Substance Use and Addictions program at REACH Niagara, which emphasizes person-centered harm reduction, has achieved remarkable results. Participants have reported a 92% reduction in overdoses and a 100% decrease in toxic street drugs. Additionally, 85% of participants have noted improvements in their quality of life and social connections. “This program has saved my life. I have not used fentanyl in over 3 months now… Thank you for helping me get my life back!” said one of our recent participants.
Positive Living Niagara’s StreetWorks program has been offering support to people who use substances for over 30 years throughout the Niagara Region. Using a harm reduction model of care, StreetWorks supports people who are using substances and helps them to achieve their self-defined goals. Supports available include access to harm reduction supplies, the Region’s only consumption treatment site, system navigation supports, education on safer substance use, training on overdose prevention and response including access to naloxone, support from employees with lived/living experience, and referrals to relevant supports.
Since its inception in December 2018, Consumption and Treatment Services has reversed 1,350 drug poisonings on site and had zero fatalities. 89% of service users report that they have learned how to take measures to improve their health outcomes, with 93% believing that their health and well-being would be worse without access to the StreetWorks program. As the first naloxone distributor in Niagara, the StreetWorks program has distributed over 36,000 kits since 2014. One of our recent clients had this to say about working with our organization, “I’ve lost so many friends over the years and am so grateful for the naloxone access. Sometimes it feels like there’s no one left, but StreetWorks works tirelessly to keep us as safe and as healthy as possible.”
By combining our expertise, Positive Living Niagara and REACH Niagara are able to provide a more holistic level of care for individuals facing addiction and substance use challenges. This collaboration demonstrates the power and progress that partnerships can bring.
“Together We Can” save lives.
Positive Living Niagara’s IOAD March and Rally:
This year on August 31st at 3:00 pm, we will be gathering at St. Catharines City Hall (50 Church St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7C2) and marching through downtown St. Catharines to Montebello Park (64 Ontario St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5J5). In response to recent announcements, it’s crucial now more than ever that we unite and raise awareness about opioid poisonings in the Niagara Region, advocate for evidence-based policies and programs, and call for a safer world for people who use substances.
About Positive Living Niagara
Positive Living Niagara supports individuals at-risk and affected by HIV, HCV, STBBIs and substance use within the Niagara Region by offering an array of HIV support services for individuals and family members, and harm reduction programs through the StreetWorks program. Through core programs and strong partnerships, people are able to have access to a suite of services to meet their diverse needs.
About REACH Niagara
With the mission to work with community partners to provide compassionate care and reduce barriers to healthcare for the homeless and marginalized, REACH – Regional Essential Access to Connected Healthcare – Niagara provides a number of healthcare services including ongoing primary care, select form assistance, connection to supports, counselling harm reduction supplies, preventative care screening, system navigation and referrals. REACH also coordinates Niagara’s Safer Supply Program and, in collaboration with Niagara Region, operates an 8 bed unit that provides on-going care for individuals who are experiencing homelessness and have been discharged from the hospital.
