NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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TOWN OF NEW TECUMSETH, ADJALA-TOSORONTIO & ESSA TOWNSHIPS - 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, July 20, and run until Friday, July 31, 2020, in order 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 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. 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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