However, according to the co-founder of Moms Stop the HarmPetra Schulz, the figure is not final. There are always cases that are not yet confirmed and once that is done this year’s numbers will be close to last year’s.
she says.
According to Petra Schulz, this situation is tragic and the method used by the province lacks effectiveness.
« In my view, the province’s one-time investment in one type of treatment is a total failure. »
She believes that the province should apply harm reduction, an approach that aims to regulate drug use in such a way as to avoid the aggravation of problems.
This method keeps people alive and healthy. It connects opioid users to services, which provides a starting point for the rest of the process
says Petra Schulz.
Harm reduction does not increase consumption. This consumption exists and it takes place in an unsafe way. But we can make it safe and connect people to health services that can help them.
she says.
In an email statement, the spokesman for the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Colin Aitchison, confirmed that the government intends to continue with its current steps.
« Our government will continue to improve access to addictions treatment and recovery support by building recovery-oriented systems. »
Colin Aitchison also points out that, compared to December 2021, when the opioid overdose death rate is highest, January 2023 represents a 37% decrease in deaths. The province is cautiously optimistic of this downward trend.
This assertion is however greatly criticized by Petra Schulz. You can’t pick two benchmarks at random, compare them and say there’s a trend
she observes.