One thousand black balloons were unfurled around Kelowna on Thursday on the sixth anniversary of the province declaring a public health emergency due to the overdose crisis. The balloons represent only a fraction of the nearly 10,000 lives lost during this period. Moms Stop the Harm is set up at 10 Starbucks sites to talk to members of the public about the dangers of street drugs as they continue to push governments to ensure safe supply. “Overdose happens everywhere. “It does not discriminate and takes the lives of our loved ones at a rate of seven a day in British Columbia,” said Helen Jennens, who lost two sons to an overdose. She says the stigma of drug use creates barriers so that people who need help do not seek it out and eventually die alone. David has been making his own journey for several years. He believes that governments are beginning to realize the importance of secure supply. “It’s too late, but we need it, we really have it. And it would help a lot of people, especially those who are deep inside. “There are a lot of injuries. Many traumatic factors. “They were recipes for me, other people could be for other reasons, but regardless of the reasons, we should not stigmatize it,” he urged. Ellen hopes she does not have to mark another six years by throwing black balloons before anything is done to prevent an unnecessary tragedy. The BC medical examiner issued a statement commemorating the grim anniversary. “In this day of great sorrow, we know that more needs to be done and that a better future is possible. “The deaths of more than 9,400 people in the last six years are a clear indication of the urgent need for new and innovative programs and options for drug users, and that a health and wellness approach must replace the harmful stigmatization practices of the past.” said Lisa Lapointe. He argues that much greater access to safer provision, decriminalization of possession for personal use, and greater access to evidence-based therapy are critical to preventing future loss of life. With the current death rate, BC will exceed 10,000 lives lost by this summer.
