In this recorded webinar, we discuss ways to share power and partner with people who use drugs to affect change and ameliorate the impact of the poisoning epidemic.
People who use drugs (PWUD) are central to BC’s response to the poisoning epidemic. Some are first responders, witnessing drug use among their peers and administering life-saving naloxone when needed. Others are educators, teaching about harm reduction and sharing their first-hand knowledge. Many more are advocates for systems reform, calling attention to the fundamental inequities that undercut their rights to safe housing, a liveable income, social supports, and appropriate healthcare. PWUD are the voices we need to hear and to heed to stop the epidemic and save lives.
CMHA BC is joined by Mel MacDonald from Seasons House, Charlene Burmeister from Coalition of Substance Users of the North, Sally Maguet from the Compassion, Inclusion and Engagement project, Paige Phillips from SOLID and Shane Calder from AIDS Vancouver Island. Each panelist contributes their insights on how to overcome stigma and opposition to build equitable partnerships between peers and organizations, and implement harm reduction initiatives that create safer communities for everyone.