A free community event was held Monday at Regina’s Performing Arts Centre to mark the 25th annual International Overdose Awareness Day, bringing people together for education, support and to raise awareness about overdose.
The event was centered around the theme, “25 Years On. Still Needed.”
“While today is a day of remembrance, it’s also a day of hope,” said Regina Fire & Protective Services Deputy Chief Gord Hewitt. “Every overdose prevented, every life saved, every person connected with support services represents an opportunity for recovery and a brighter future.”
Deanna Keewatin, who offered a prayer at the event, lost her brother to an overdose two years ago in Moose Jaw after becoming addicted to pain killers he used while recovering from surgery on his feet.
“I do believe that’s what led him into relying on these drugs, in order to make him get rid of the severe pain he had,” said Keewatin. “From then on, it just escalated into needing that drug everyday.”
Keewatin said this day helps her to not feel alone in her grief, and it gives her comfort to be around all the people here.
“Look at all the beautiful people that really care about the street people, the broken people,” said Keewatin. “An act of kindness could make a huge difference.”
Lou Flanagan belongs to a Nar-Anon Family Group, that offers support for family members and friends affected by a loved one’s drug addiction.
They have free weekly meetings on Tuesdays in Regina at the Heritage United Church and Fridays at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. They follow the same 12-step program as Narcotics Anonymous.
“With all of the addictions and abuse issues, a lot of us have lost loved ones. Overdose is huge and we just want to make people in the community aware that we’re here to support as the loved ones of those who have addiction issues,” said Flanagan.
Photo of: Rob Livesey providing naloxone training.
Photo by: Danielle Dufour
Rob Livesey, a harm reduction specialist with Queen City Wellness, had lived experience with addiction.
“I’ve been in recovery going on three years,” said Livesey. “I’m an addict and I’ve been where most of our clients are so for me, in my role, I can relate to them and help them get a treatment, or detox or just be an ear for them.”
Livesey was at the event to provide training on how to use naloxone nasal spray or injection, also known by the brand name Narcan, a medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, restoring normal breathing and potentially saving lives.
He said that multiple treatments may be necessary to revive someone who has overdosed.
“It’s an epidemic,” said Livesey. “I think it’s important that we all take part in getting the knowledge we need to use the Narcan…it’s everybody’s responsibility to carry one. We all know somebody, have a family member or a loved one who’s been affected by this crisis.”
In Saskatchewan, residents at risk of opioid overdose can access free naloxone training and a naloxone kit through the Saskatchewan Health Authority. The training covers overdose prevention, recognition, and response, including how to administer naloxone. The naloxone kit is available at Take Home Naloxone Program Sites or can be purchased at some pharmacies. It is important to note that naloxone does not reverse the effects of non-opioids and should only be administered in the event of an opioid overdose. For immediate medical attention, calling 911 is still necessary.