City receives $100K to help fight opioid crisis

VERNON – The City of Vernon has received $100,000 to help in the fight against the opioid crisis.

Social Planning Council executive director Annette Sharkey announced the grant was approved at the city's July 23 council meeting.

Sharkey said the funding was to reduce the number of overdose deaths in Vernon. The latest statistics show 10 people have died so far this year in Vernon from an overdose; last year 22 died in the city from an overdose, and 2016 saw 12 deaths caused by an overdose. The numbers show a dramatic rise since 2008 when one death was caused by an overdose. The stats also put Vernon at 14th place in the province for overdose deaths.

Sharkey said the money will go towards establishing several community action teams. One will look into what Sharkey called "hidden" opioid users – who are usually men. The action team will target gyms, bars and restaurants, workplaces and airports to provide education and support.

Statistics show that 85 per cent of overdoses take place on privately owned property. Sharkey said the money will also fund a peer audit, which focusses on asking drugs users what services they need; and a cultural audit which will engage with indigenous groups to find out how services can be made more culturally appropriate.

For more on the opioid crisis, go here. 

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