A global pandemic is not the only crisis currently being combated in Prince George, BC. The opioid crisis in Canada has been ongoing since it was first declared in 2016 and continues to affect communities across the country. Between January and March of this year alone, Canada has reported 16,364 opioid related deaths. Western Canada, and British Columbia in particular, continues to be one of the hardest hit regions.
While initiatives have rolled out at both provincial and national government levels, local organizations have stepped up to combat the crisis as well. One such organization is the POUND’s Project in Prince George, which has been working in harm reduction to undo stigma and prevent overdoses since 2018. Jordan Harris, the Executive Director of POUND’s, joined me in the interview below to discuss harm reduction, stigma, and what we all can do to build safer and more supportive communities.
Find more details about Canada’s Opioid Crisis here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death/coroners-service/news-and-updates
https://health-infobase.canada.ca/substance-related-harms/opioids