The AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area has seen a rise in the number of free naloxone kits it gives out to counter the effects of drug overdoses.
In June nearly 100 kits went out. That’s in addition to the 14,300 needles that got distributed during July.
The kits, in addition to the needles, are part of the agency’s Harm Reduction approach to fighting the area’s fentanyl crisis.
The goal of Harm Reduction is to reduce the negative effects of drugs without necessarily cutting the amount a person is using. The bottom line for the AIDS group is to keep drug users safe when they take drugs.
The AIDS Committee says naloxone saves lives and users don’t have to identify themselves when picking up one of the kits from their office. The agency adds the Harm Reduction program does not shame or judge users.
(With files from Rocco Frangione)
Video courtesy of the Government of Ontario/ontario.ca via YouTube