Opioids are a family of drugs that are prescribed to reduce pain. While these drugs serve a medical purpose, we are seeing an increase in the use of opioids for recreational purposes especially among our young adults. Opioids effect the part of our brain that controls our breathing causing our breathing to slow. Too much opioid use can lead to apnea (breathing stops), unconsciousness and even death. Approximately 4,000 Canadians died from an opioid overdose last year, a 34% increase from the year before. Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid overdose if administered right away.  Naloxone buys time for emergency medical services to arrive and administer advanced treatment. 

Just like AED and CPR training has been implemented in the workplaces, we are advocating for Naloxone kit placement and training in high risk establishments such as concert venues and bars. We are petitioning for the legislation that makes it mandatory for all concert venue and bar owners to participate in a harm reduction program. This program would require selected employees to participate in overdose recognition and Naloxone administration training as well as require owners keep a Naloxone kit on site. This program can reduce the risks of death from opioid overdoses in high risk establishments. Every signature counts, you have the power to save a life!