Amber Beaulieu, network coordinator for the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network, visited the Portage la Prairie Youth Hub this week to speak with youth about sexual health, rising cases of syphilis, and overdose prevention.
Beaulieu notes that International Overdose Awareness Day took place on August 31, and her team hosted a local event. She says speaking with youth in advance is an important way to raise awareness.
“Overdose awareness day is taking place on August 31st. We're hosting an event tomorrow, but I thought, what better way, uh, than to raise awareness with youth. We know that accidental drug poisonings happen, even to people who don't use.”
Understanding naloxone
Beaulieu adds that accidental overdoses can occur when someone thinks they are taking a prescription drug such as Tylenol 3, but it turns out to be something else. She says this can have fatal consequences if the person unknowingly consumes opioids.
“As with illicit substances, it could be somebody who thinks that they're taking a T3, and maybe that's not what they take, and they accidentally get poisoned and die. I just really believe that everybody should know how to use naloxone just in case you know you come upon an emergent situation.”
She continues that naloxone is an antidote that temporarily reverses opioid overdoses by clearing receptors in the brain. However, she says many people are unaware that the effects can wear off and an overdose can return, making medical care essential even after naloxone is used.
Training the community
Beaulieu says the session at the Youth Hub included education on recognizing the signs of overdose, administering naloxone, and properly storing kits. She explains that extreme Manitoba weather can reduce a kit’s effectiveness if left in a hot or frozen vehicle, but it is still worth using in an emergency.
“But I always like to say some naloxone is better than none. So, here in Manitoba, we have pretty extreme weather. It can be very cold and very hot, depending on the season. If you leave this in your car and it freezes, or it gets too hot, and then you come upon a situation you're like, 'Oh no, my naloxone was in the car.' I would still recommend that you use it because some naloxone is better than none.”
A message of compassion
Beaulieu adds that compassion is just as important as awareness. She says drug users are often friends and family members, and deserve care and dignity.
“Just wanted to remind people that people who use drugs are still our family members, and they're still worthy of love. And we should be compassionate towards them and help them get back on their track.”
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