By Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
Communities in Halton and across the globe came together to observe International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st, a day dedicated to remembering those who have succumbed to drug poisoning and offering support to their families and friends.
The Halton Regional Police highlighted a troubling increase in drug poisonings, both fatal and non-fatal, in the local area. From January 1st to July 31st, HRPS officers responded to nearly 250 incidents involving suspected drug poisonings, a slight rise compared to the same period last year.
Nearly half of the reported drug poisonings involved individuals aged 18 to 34, with 18 fatalities recorded. While this number was down from 28 deaths at the same time last year, the loss of life remained a significant concern.
“The safety and well-being of those we serve remains the number one priority of our Service and our members,” said Inspector Raf Skwarka, who leads HRPS’s internal Overdose Coordination Group. He emphasized the importance of HRPS’s partnerships in addressing the ongoing opioid crisis in the region.
HRPS also launched a new public service announcement (PSA) timed with the back-to-school season to educate the community about harm reduction. The video focused on encouraging parents and guardians to have open, meaningful conversations with teenagers about drugs, emphasizing that such dialogues can save lives. “This time of year, parents often worry about school uniforms or the latest phone to buy,” said Inspector Skwarka.
“Our ask is that they find time to talk to their kids about drugs and to always keep the door to meaningful and non-judgmental dialogue with them – on any topic, open.”
HRPS also reiterated the signs of drug poisoning, such as difficulty walking or staying awake, blue lips or nails, cold and clammy skin, dizziness, and slow or weak breathing. They urged the public to treat any overdose as a medical emergency and to administer Naloxone if available.
HRPS officers and other first responders in Halton carry and are trained to administer this life-saving medication and have done so more than 60 times this year.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act of 2017 was highlighted as well, which provides legal protection for anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing the overdose. The Act ensures that no one will be charged for simple possession or breach of conditions related to simple possession when they summon help.