There’s disappointment in our community over the government’s decision to halt the opening of a drug overdose prevention site at the NorWest Community Health Centre.
Drug Strategy Coordinator Cynthia Olsen is disheartened, and notes the prevention services could have helped a lot of people in our community.
She notes at local events, the Strategy usually hears from “at least two to three people” per day who are remembering a loved one who died due to an overdose.
The NorWest Community Health Centre was preparing to open their service next week.
The Centre’s CEO tells us she’s disheartened by the government’s decision to pause the opening of drug overdose prevention sites.
Juanita Lawson says she was surprised by Health Minister Christine Elliott’s announcement.
“We were slated to open and begin operations August 20th, so now that is on hold.”
Elliott recently said the government needs to assess the merit of drug overdose prevention sites.
Lawson indicates she’s confident the province’s review will show overdose prevention services are needed. (File Photo)