Increase the Support.
Reduce the Harm.
“I’ve lost friends and family to overdose.
I want to do my part to keep people alive.”
– Melanie, Saddle Lake Cree Nation
“When your friends drop beside you, be sure Naloxone is close by.”
– Ken, Yale First Nation
– Candice, Dene and Cree Nation
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help with your addiction. That’s what’s going to save your life.”
– Raymond, Cherokee
“While healing from drug use I learned that I don’t have to suffer. I don’t have to carry that pain.”
Prevent people from dying
Keep people safer when using
Create a range of treatment options
Support people on their healing journeys
Harm reduction sites and services are open, safe and expanding to more locations in BC.
Using drugs alone is dangerous. Using with someone else is safer, even during COVID-19.
Ask your healthcare provider or support network about safer alternatives to toxic drugs.
Support is available now. Ask your support network or healthcare provider about your options.
The impact of COVID-19 on the toxic drug crisis
The number of First Nations people in BC dying due to the toxic drug supply has risen dramatically during COVID-19. The increasingly toxic drug supply, combined with the harms of historical and present-day colonialism, has led to First Nations people dying from toxic drugs at 5.4 times the rate of other BC residents. The FNHA is responding to the toxic drug crisis by expanding harm reduction services, supports, education and research with First Nations people.
Resources
Naloxone Kits save lives. Learn more about how to get a naloxone kit here and find more information on accessing nasal naloxone here.
Overdose Prevention Sites and supervised consumption sites operate across BC. Find a location in your area:
Harm Reduction Sites & Services are open, safe and expanding to more locations in BC. They are often the best option for using substances safely during the pandemic. Find FNHA-funded programs and projects related to Indigenous harm reduction near you on this map. Find more harm reduction sites and services here.
Land-Based Healing involves practices that heal the heart by connecting with First Nations culture and teachings as people cope with trauma, grief and loss. Learn more here.
FNHA’s Virtual Doctor of the Day connects Indigenous people and their families with health care providers via virtual appointments. The VDOD program includes doctors of Indigenous ancestry and all doctors are dedicated to providing culturally safe and trauma-informed care. The Virtual Doctor can also refer people to the FNHA’s Virtual Substance Use & Psychiatry Service.
Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT) can be an effective treatment for many people who use opioids and can be helpful in a person’s healing journey. Learn more about OAT here.
Video Series: A Harm Reduction Approach to Substance Use features eight short videos to help you better understand the toxic drug crisis, the impact of COVID-19, and how to support loved ones who use substances along their healing journeys. Watch here or listen here.
Download campaign posters here
“What helped in my healing journey was looking up to other Indigenous people.”
– Saige, Lutselk’e Dene Nation
– John, of the Wolf Clan
“I want to say to anyone who is out there struggling with addiction, you are not alone. I care about you.”
– Lisa, Leq’á:mel First Nation
“I grew up surrounded by addiction and lost people who were close to me.”
“We need bigger conversations about how to save lives from overdose.”
– Sekani, Dakelth First Nation
– Juanita, Cree and Dene Treaty 6 Territory
“Culture saved my life. It was the missing link and it helps me on my journey in sobriety and spiritually in life.”
– Eva, Thunderchild First Nation
“If you come from a life of addiction, you know the importance of trust.”
– Corina, Nazko First Nation
“I did my homework and I found people and resources to connect with.”