I share Julian Fell’s perspective (letter to the editor, Dec. 20) with regards to the article written by Lauren Collins titled “Raising Awareness” that was puhblished in The NEWS Dec. 13.
Had I received an invitation to speak I could have possibly adjusted my calendar or had a representative share what is in fact being done in the face of this opioid crisis.
There is no easy solution to the overdose crisis, but we are mobilizing across all sectors to do all we can to respond quickly and effectively to save lives here in Oceanside and across B.C.
After provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall declared a public health emergency in April, 2016, our Premier Christy Clark announced a Joint Task Force on Overdose Response in July to provide expert leadership and advice on actions to prevent and respond to the crisis. Law enforcement is working to intercept and block the supply of toxic drugs, health officials are working to address the immediate and longer-term health needs.
At the community level, I applaud School District 69 and the other stakeholders for trying to open up the conversation about drugs and the possible risks, and their efforts to relay useful and helpful information to open the door for parents and our youth to discuss drug use in their own homes.
Many, many staff in the ministries of health and public safety, health authorities, first responders including paramedics, firefighters, and police, physicians, community workers, non-profit organizations and other involved agencies have also dedicated countless hours to mobilize the province’s response and our work is not done.
Michelle Stilwell
MLA Parksville-Qualicum