Fighting the toxic drug crisis – Comox Valley Record

Patti Alvarado leads a group of staff and volunteers committed to saving lives in the Comox Valley.

Unbroken Chain, an Indigenous-led harm reduction program at the Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society, supports a growing list of individuals and family members affected by the toxic drug overdose crisis.

Supports include Indigenous harm-reduction education and support, naloxone training, peer support, community education and more.

Most weeks, staff and volunteers support multiple people, having conversations through difficult days and nights, safety planning, providing support to families who have lost loved ones, advocacy in community meetings or connecting people to healthcare and support services.

“We are trying to help people stay alive, as well as mitigate the impacts and harm of the toxic drug poisoning epidemic,” Alvarado said. “The feedback we get from participants is that we have helped save their lives. So, for us, this funding from the Comox Valley Community Foundation, has been a lifesaver.”

Read More: https://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/marketplace/fighting-the-toxic-drug-crisis-7357697