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OPP launch local opioid public awareness campaign

'The opioid crisis does not discriminate and affects people from all walks of life, age groups and socio-economic backgrounds,' says Nottawasaga OPP official
BradfordToday Staff
2023-06-25-campaign-launch-photo-1
From left to right: Staff Sergeant Wade Beebe (Nottawasaga OPP Operations Manager), Registered Nurse Cathy Eisner (Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Substance Use and Injury Prevention Program), Provincial Constable Katy Viccary (Campaign Lead), Inspector Steve Ridout (Nottawasaga OPP Detachment Commander)Photo provided

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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Opioid overdoses are increasingly claiming the lives of Ontarians.

The Nottawasaga Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is determined to take every step possible to help our citizens, our communities and our partners, who are impacted by these deadly substances.

A public awareness campaign will be launched on Monday, June 26, 2023, and run until Friday, July 7, 2023, to better inform our community members about the issue and the resources available to them.

In an effort to encourage people to seek life-saving assistance, the opioid public awareness campaign, which will primarily take place on Twitter @OPP_CR and Facebook @OPPCentralRegion, will cover a number of topics, including:

  • Opioids defined, signs and risk factors of an overdose
  • Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act (GSDOA)
  • What to do in the case of a suspected overdose
  • Overview of the Nottawasaga Opioid Advisory Working Group
  • Safe disposal, including local disposal sites
  • Harm reduction strategies, such as Naloxone kits
  • Stigma reduction
  • Local services, community partner information/highlights and resources for those who are using, or are affected, by opioids

The Nottawasaga OPP is upholding its commitment to the Ontario Mobilization and Engagement Model of Community Policing by using a collaborative approach to disseminate the public awareness campaign. Partnering with community organizations will help reach those directly impacted by opioids.

By partnering with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for this campaign, our aim is to provide local resources to our community members, in the hopes of increasing awareness of the use, and misuse, of opioids. For more information, visit opp.ca/opioids.

"The opioid crisis does not discriminate and affects people from all walks of life, age groups and socio-economic backgrounds. At times, someone witnessing an overdose may hesitate to call 9-1-1 in fear of legal repercussions. We want to educate and empower members of our community to stay and make that life-saving call."

- Inspector Steve Ridout, Detachment Commander, Nottawasaga OPP

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