Fraser Health is hosting the first of two free overdose prevention training sessions this Friday.
In partnership with Delta Community Partners, the session will run from 7 to 9 p.m. at the North Delta Recreation Centre. The two-hour workshop will provide an overview of drugs in general, different categories of drugs and their effects, and will teach participants how to provide life-saving measures in the event of a drug overdose, both with and without the medication Naloxone (Narcan). According to Fraser Health, early recognition and response to overdose is key to reducing harm and saving lives.
"This is a measure that we are taking in follow-up to the overdose cluster that occurred in Delta on Sept. 1 and it came about as a result of discussions with fire, police and with those who were involved and attended the sessions at the two schools in North and South Delta later in September," said medical health officer Dr. Arlene King.
"We know that there is a real need and a desire to have more information on early recognition and response to overdoses, so we know that is key to saving lives. We want to build the capacity in the community overall to respond to this health emergency."
Fraser Health plans to also hold a similar session in South Delta. A date, time and location for the South Delta session will be announced in the coming weeks, said King.
"The intent is to make the workshop somewhat interactive with shared learning among the participants as well. Then there will be an actual demonstration of Naloxone, how you get it, etc.," added King. "We'll see how this goes. Hopefully there is lots of interest and ongoing demand then we will do another one."
For more information on this event, email [email protected].
