Calls for more action and concerns about service gaps – Okanagan reacts to drug decriminalization – Okanagan | 24CA News

On the eve of drug decriminalization in B.C., there was a spread of reactions within the Okanagan to the historic coverage change.

Some argue that rather more is required to stem the tide of drug poisoning deaths.

Kelowna resident Helen Jennens referred to as the decriminalization of some drug possession beginning Tuesday in B.C. “a great advancement,” however mentioned, “it’s just not quite enough.”

Jennens misplaced two sons – one to a prescription drug overdose and the opposite to fentanyl poisoning. She is aware of decriminalization received’t cease the drug provide from being poisonous.

“Will it decrease the overdoses? If it does anything for stigma and for people reaching out for more help, possibly. But it’s still the toxic drugs that are killing people,” Jennens mentioned.

2:04Drug advocates name for sooner motion on regulated safer provide of medication

Jennens mentioned there may be much more to be executed to avoid wasting lives.

“We have to be working a lot with our youth and really talking to them about substance use, mental health, self-medicating and the toxic drug market and we have to be doing a lot as far as recovery and treatment because people can’t get well without treatment and recovery,” Jennens mentioned.

“And, of course, what would really save lives is a safe supply.”

Community Advocate Dawn Tucker is plugged into the native dialog in Vernon.

They see the advantages and challenges of decriminalization.

“I definitely see it helping because I don’t think an illness should be criminalized,” Tucker mentioned.

Tucker factors on the market are nonetheless gaps within the companies accessible domestically to assist decriminalization.

“Obviously, people are doing it in public, which is a concern, and they need safe places to go, and our overdose prevention site is only open limited hours. (I’d) love to see that open longer hours and I’d love to see a safe drug supply so we can have people be able to do it safely,” Tucker mentioned.

2:29Safe provide of medication drops ER visits, hospitalizations, examine says

Provincial officers say they know decriminalization received’t be a silver bullet and growing companies is a precedence.

“Through historic investments, we are continuing to build a system of mental health and addiction care that works for all British Columbians. That system includes prevention and early intervention, enhancements across the full spectrum of treatment and recovery as well as expanding harm reduction measures,” mentioned BC Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside.

Tucker additionally has issues that decriminalization will put extra strain on municipalities to deal with public drug use.

“Unfortunately, with decriminalization doing even small amounts in open spaces means that now RCMP, to my understanding, don’t have a lot of power. (That) means it downloads it onto the municipality and local taxpayers to now look at doing bylaws and having bylaw enforcement to try to control parks and other open public spaces. We don’t allow (public use) for alcohol and other controlled substances,” Tucker mentioned.

The City of Kelowna mentioned its present bylaws already prohibit utilizing medicine in parks and public areas, in addition to having drug paraphernalia or smoking in parks.

“Bylaw Services, in concert with RCMP, will be closely monitoring the situation,” a City of Kelowna spokesperson mentioned in a press release.

“Should the need arise for bylaw amendments, these will be promptly considered.”

The City of Vernon didn’t reply questions on whether or not it plans to create any further bylaws about the place newly decriminalized medicine can be utilized and declined to touch upon the difficulty of decriminalization typically.

1:45B.C.’s 3-year drug decriminalization trial begins Tuesday

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