Canada has not been immune from the opioid overdose crisis, which has claimed thousands of lives and devastated families and communities across the country. In the first half of 2024, there were more than 13,000 opioid-related poisoning emergency department visits, averaging around 72 per day. This urgent public health threat requires a comprehensive response, one that offers an equitable and sustainable way forward for all people in Canada.
Breaking down the barrier of stigma
A major challenge in tackling the opioid overdose crisis is stigma around drug use. A high percentage of people struggling with substance use disorder often face judgment and isolation, which can prevent them from seeking medical attention or further help.
Stigma in healthcare can come in many different forms. It can look like negative attitudes, judgments, and stereotypes, problematic labels and language use, and punitive and exclusionary policies and practices.
All these manifestations of stigma in the health care system affect the overall quality of response to urgent health needs. Stigma affects how we conceptualize, frame, and prioritize the opioid crisis and contributes to mistrust and avoidance of services, particularly among marginalized populations.
It was recently reported that nearly a third of people in Ontario who died of an overdose had sought treatment in the days and weeks prior to their death, suggesting health care providers may be missing opportunities to intervene.
To combat stigma, it is essential to treat opioid use disorder with compassion and understanding. Public awareness campaigns, community outreach, and support from health professionals can help reduce stigma and encourage those affected to seek treatment without fear.
Expanding access to naloxone
Access to naloxone has proven to be critical in the fight against opioid overdose deaths in Canada. Intranasal take-home naloxone kits are easy to use and some provinces offer free take-home intranasal naloxone kits where prescriptions aren’t necessary.
While access to naloxone has improved, challenges remain in ensuring that it reaches the people who need it most. For example, in some rural parts of Canada, ambulance response times can be around 20 minutes, and even in more populated areas response times can be upwards of 10 minutes. In an opioid overdose emergency, quick and easy access to naloxone could help save someone’s life.
Education and empowering communities
There are many factors that impact opioid overdose risk, such as race and ethnicity, age, employment, and social and personal history.
Indigenous communities can be at a higher risk of opioid overdose. Additionally, structural inequities, such as limited access to healthcare, economic disparities, and a history of trauma, including colonialism and residential schools, have contributed to substance misuse and mental health challenges in these communities.
Working on tailored programs for high-risk populations can create resilience against the opioid overdose epidemic. Policies proposed by groups such as Indigenous Harm Reduction Advisory Committee, if and when implemented, can help create safer communities for all.
Empowering both the public and healthcare professionals with accurate information about the dangers of opioid misuse, tainted street drug supplies, and harm reduction strategies can help build a more informed and safe society. Schools, workplaces, and community organizations can all play a part in raising awareness and increasing education. For example, in 2023 Ontario launched a naloxone in the workplace program, which encouraged workplaces to have naloxone kits available on-site and expand access to educational materials. By fostering a more empathetic, informed environment, education can help reduce harm and encourage individuals to access the help they need.