Elizabeth Fry Society's Tearing Down Walls On Drug Addiction For Anti-Stigma Day

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Elizabeth Fry Society kickstarted dialogue for those suffering from drug addiction as it held its fourth annual Anti-Stigma Day at Millennium Park on Wednesday afternoon.

Kayla Farewell, Elizabeth Fry housing case manager (left) and Mourin Moyen, Elizabeth Fry volunteer (right), hold anti-stigma rocks that were hand-painted at the event and available for attendees. This is the fourth annual event by the Society which began in 2021 and runs every June 26. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event is always held on June 26 and runs alongside the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.’ It supports the war on drugs and helps destigmatize those who are struggling while using substances.

Anti-Stigma Day is one way of creating awareness and dialogue. Understanding those suffering from drug addictions is one way to destigmatize the notion according to Kayla Farewell, Elizabeth Fry housing case manager.

“It's not always a choice. Addiction can be really hard to come out and mostly what we ask for is just understanding,” she explained. Everyone is walking their own path. All of these organizations believe in walking alongside people as they walk their own path and it's just showing that compassion, understanding and a willingness to learn. A lot of the stigma comes from not knowing from ignorance whether that's purposeful or not.”

The YES Shelter, One City PTBO, Moms Stop the Harm, John Howard Society, Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes, Peterborough AIDS Resource Network, Peterborough 260 Nurse Practitioner-Left Clinic, Peterborough Public Health and Canadian Addiction Treatment Services were in attendances with tables to offer information sessions during the event.

Farewell says being open about having a conversation and not shying away from it, whether you are suffering or hearing out someone else, is a huge step towards ending the stigma.

“Starting dialogues with people, even people that you love, that you know have an addiction in the past, making sure you're not afraid to talk about it and making sure that you're not afraid to look away,” she said. “It is very present in our community and the instinct for a lot of people is just to look the other way but it's very important to come together as a community to help the people who live here who use substances.”

A community effort of having sympathy and empathy for those who are suffering from drug addiction is vital to destigmatization.

“They are just people,” said Farewell. “We are all a bad event from being in that position ourselves so having that sympathy, having that love and approaching it with open arms is really the key to all of it. It's takes community to come to get to help lift people up out of the tough spots.”

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Peterborough Public Health Issue Drug Poisoning Alert High Number Recorded Wednesday

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is issuing an alert of high drug poisonings that were observed on Wednesday.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

There were five drug poisonings resulting in EMS calls or ED visits which are considered higher than the normal rates over the last five days according to PPH.

While Naloxone cannot reverse the effects of sedatives, PPH says there is no harm in administering it if you suspect a drug poisoning.

Drug poisoning can look different for every person, depending on the drugs involved. PPH urges everyone that drug poisoning is a medical emergency and always to call 9-1-1.  

This is a list of actions you can take if you suspect the following:

Drug Checking:

  • Available at Consumption & Treatment Site (CTS) – 220 Simcoe St.

  • Test strips for fentanyl, benzos, and xylazine are available at the CTS during hours of operation (9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; daily)

Harm Reduction Support:

Crisis Support:

  • 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline - Call or text 9-8-8; National 24/7 suicide or emotional distress hotline. Telecare Distress Centre of Peterborough – call 705-745-2273; Open 24/7

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City Hall Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day For Aug. 31 With Flag Raising Ceremony

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In honour of recognizing those who lost their lives to drug use, a purple flag was raised at City Hall in honour of International Overdose Awareness Day held every August 31 on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough with Moms Stop The Harm, Peterborough Police and Peterborough Paramedics were in attendance for the event.

Family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; healthcare workers and support services extending strength and compassion and first responders are also recognized on Aug. 31. The day also highlights the importance of eliminating the stigma and discrimination against anyone who uses drugs.

According to Peterborough Public Health, between Jan. 1 and July 31, Peterborough paramedics responded to 182 suspected opioid-related 911 calls and drugs were responsible for 232 emergency department visits. There have been 43 people suspected to have died from drug poisonings as stated in a press release.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

On Thursday, Moms Stop the Harm Peterborough is hosting a memorial event at Millennium Park from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It features stories from family members who have lost loved ones, as well as information about substance use, overdose prevention, and harm reduction training. 

Prior to the event, community partners will be hosting flag raisings and harm reduction and naloxone distribution pop-ups throughout the City of Peterborough.

These pop-ups can be found at the following locations:

  • Flag Raising – Peterborough City Hall
    Aug. 24 @ 10:00 a.m.

  • Peterborough Public Library
    Aug. 25, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    Aug. 29, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Peterborough Square
    Aug. 28, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

  • Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street
    Aug. 30 @ 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug Poisoning Warning

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Peterborough Public Health has issued a warning Tuesday following an increase in suspected drug-poisonings in the area.  

file photo.

Over the long weekend, Peterborough Public Health detected over 15 suspected drug-poisonings that occurred in Peterborough City/County. Poisonings were responded to by 911 first responders, emergency department staff and service providers in the community. These reports have prompted Peterborough Public Health to issue a public warning in the hope of preventing further harms to the community. 

At this time, a specific substance has not been identified as the cause of the poisonings. However, there are reports of a light green substance and pink substance being of concern. All community members are asked to be careful when using drugs. Peterborough Public Health is reminding everyone that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Beware that using even a small amount of a drug can be fatal.  

Additional information can be found using the link.

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Elizabeth Fry Society's Anti-Stigma Day Raising Awareness and Education On Substance Use

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Creating a dialogue and education on substance users was the mission for the Elizabeth Fry Society's Anti-Stigma Day that was held at Millennium Park on Monday afternoon.

Alana Parisien, EFry housing manager (LEFT) and Chelsey McGowan, EFry peer services manager (RIGHT) with "Stigma Ain't It, Bestie," and "You Matter" buttons for their 2023 Anti-Stigma Day for those who use substances. This is the third annual event by the Society that began back in 2021 and runs every June 26. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

The event is always held on June 26 and runs alongside the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.’ It supports the war on drugs and helps destigmatize those who are struggling while using substances.

Anti-Stigma Day is one way of creating awareness and dialogue to help bring an understanding of those dealing with substances according to Alana Parisien, Elizabeth Fry Society housing manager.

“They're combatting the stigma that's been perpetuated from the war on drugs which is kind of the historical day,” she explained. “Historically, it supports the war on drugs which we know is failing our community and perpetuating stigma.”

John Howard Society, Canadian Mental Health Association, Peterborough AIDS Resource Network and Peterborough Public Health among several other organizations were present with tents and kiosks at the event. They range from free giveaways, educational activities, a free listening session, games and information sessions.

One of the stigmas that those dealing with substances are the words and negative connotations behind them according to Parisien.

“I think a lot of stigma that we see, just typically in our community could be around the language that folks use,” explained Parisien. “Saying stigmatizing words like ‘junkie’ or narratives that are ‘why can't they get jobs?’ or ‘why can't they get well?’ or commenting like that, maybe just maybe a lack of understanding.”

Rather than raising judgment, opening a dialogue with compassion for those suffering is the proper way to approach the stigmatized said Parisien.

“Treat everybody like you would treat your own brother,” she explained. “If it's something you don't understand necessarily, maybe take some time to talk to someone as you would your neighbour to understand what they're going through each day.”

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$1.13 Million Detox and Residential Treatment Facility Proposal Made; Operations Could Run Early As Fourth Quarter

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In an effort to help prevent drug overdoses and save lives, politicians, local medical figures and addiction support staff have declared an application for a detox and residential treatment facility announced at Showplace Performance Theatre on Monday morning.

Last year, 539 individuals from our community attended the Emergency Department for drug poisoning, Emergency Medical Services responded to 357 opioid poisonings 911 calls according to PPH. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

MPP Dave Smith, Mayor Jeff Leal and County Warden Bonnie Clark announced the proposal in a joint effort from the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and FourCast. In attendance were representatives from FourCast, CMHA HKPE, Peterborough Public Health, Peterborough EMS, Peterborough Police Service and Peterborough Regional Health Centre alongside the politicians, announcing their support for the facility.

“Peterborough Public Health welcomes this proposal for more local treatment and detox services and the opportunity it creates to strengthen our response to the drug poisoning crisis” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health. “Along with the Peterborough Drug Strategy partners we have been advocating for more tools to address the crisis for over a decade. If funded this will become a critical part of the local response.”

The facility will primarily serve Peterborough County, City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, Haliburton County, Curve Lake, Alderville and Hiawatha First Nations. The proposal of $1.13 million annually for a two-year period is serving as a pilot basis to determine its effectiveness for further consideration.

“If the funding letter is provided to us by the end of March, we could potentially be operational by the fourth of this year, sometime in the fall,” said MPP Dave Smith.

Additional funding of just under $300,000 will be needed from local community partners to help establish the facility during the two-year pilot basis. The information and progress will go to Ontario Health to determine its effectiveness.

Six drug and six detox beds will be available at the facility for those battling with addictions. Waitlists for beds can take one to two days depending on demand but residential treatment can take from three to six months. The location has yet to be determined.

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David Tuan Bui


Peterborough Public Health Extends January 26 Drug Poisoning Alert

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is extending the Jan. 26 drug poisoning alert after reporting an increase in drug poisonings announced Monday.

file photo.

From Jan. 25 to Jan. 29 PPH detected high numbers of drug poisonings that occurred in Peterborough City and County.

A total of 18 drug-related poisonings were responded to by 911 first responders. These products have an increased level of toxicity, and may be cut or mixed with another substance where even a small dose can be fatal.

Public health reminds the community to give naloxone if you suspect an individual is experiencing drug poisoning, and call 911 as you continue to monitor their breathing until medical help arrives.

PPH has released a list of signs of an opioid overdose:

  • Skin is cold and clammy

  • Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

  • Body is very limp

  • Can’t wake the person up

  • Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

  • Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

  • Pupils are very small

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the Drug Reporting Tool. Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.

Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or someone else who has overdosed will not be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

If you partake in drug use, PPH recommends that you:

  • Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site (220 Simcoe St. from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

  • If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time

  • Have a plan. Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677

  • Carry a naloxone kit

  • Avoid mixing drugs

  • Test your drug by using a small amount first

  • Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered

PPH continues to monitor drug-related data and urge members of the community to take precautions. For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, visit the public health website.

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Police Arrest Two People In One of Largest Busts in Peterborough; Seize Over $1 Million Of Illicit Drugs

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The Peterborough Police Drug Unit arrested a man and a woman after seizing over $1 million worth of illicit drugs, considered one of the city’s biggest busts in history announced at a press conference on Monday.

Detective Staff Sergeant Jackson and Chief Betts with the seized drugs. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The Drug Unit, Emergency Response Team and Durham Regional Police Service executed search warrants at several locations in Peterborough and at a Durham Region residence on Wednesday.

“This seizure of illicit drugs is one of the largest in Peterborough Police Service history,” said Chief Stuart Betts of Peterborough Police Service. “This is an example of the proliferation of illicit and harmful substances that have infiltrated our community. While we are not unique in this regard, it is very concerning for me and I commend the work of our Drug Unit for their ongoing commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Officers located and seized the following:

  • Seven kg (15.4 lbs) – Crystal Meth

  • Five kg (11 lbs) – Cocaine

  • ½ kg (1.1 lbs) – Crack Cocaine

  • 600 g (1.3 lbs) – Fentanyl

  • Three kg (6.6 lbs) – Xanax pills

  • 52 – Percocet pills

  • 34 – Hydro morph pills

  • $3,000 cash combined Canadian and US currency

  • Three vehicles

A man and a woman were arrested during the search. 

Both 54-year-old Jack Goneau and 37-year-old Regan Morrison of Peterborough was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Crystal Meth

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Fentanyl

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Hydromorphone

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Percocet

  • Possession of a Schedule IV Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Xanax

  • Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

Both suspects were held in custody and appeared in court on Wednesday.

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Peterborough Police Thank Two Pedestrians Discovering Drugs In Snow

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Peterborough Police Service has thanked two residents informing them of discovering cocaine at a Maria Street footpath. 

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The pair made the report on Tuesday and officers arrived at the area to investigate.  One officer located a small quantity of cocaine in the snow but its amount was not released.

Police remind the public that if they witness any suspicious activity to call 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug Poisoning Alert After Higher Number Reported Incidents

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug poisonings announced on Wednesday afternoon.

File Photo.

PPH detected a higher than usual number of drug-related Emergency Department Visits on Tuesday.

There was a total of five drug-related poisonings that were treated by the emergency department according to PPH. They suspect it as a result of an opiate product with an increased level of toxicity. The number of emergency department visits has prompted PPH to issue a public warning in the hopes of preventing further harms to the community.

“Peterborough Public Health has detected an increase in opioid-related harms,” said Joscelyn Qualthrough, PPH health promoter. “this is thought to be a result of a product recently sold as fentanyl which may be contaminated with toxic substances of inconsistent or increased potency.”

PPH is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Even a small amount of drug can be fatal. Give Naloxone if necessary as it may improve breathing but may not help the individual regain consciousness. It is important to call 911, and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.

“If you use substances, do not use drugs alone. Have a plan,” said Qualthrough. “Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Prevention Line at 1-888-688-6677. If you use with a friend, do not use it at the exact same time and always carry a Naloxone kit.”

If you use drugs, PPH recommends that you:

  • Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe St., open 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days/week.

  • If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.

  • Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.

  • Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.

  • Avoid mixing drugs.

  • Test your drug by using a small amount first.

  • Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.

PPH encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:

  • Skin is cold and clammy

  • Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

  • Body is very limp

  • Can’t wake the person up

  • Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

  • Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

  • Pupils are very small

  • If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.

  • Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports Peterborough Public Health and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area. The Drug Reporting Tool can be found by clicking here.

For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.

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