By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
With the number of toxic drug deaths in Chatham-Kent on pace to set a record in 2024, the work continues to save lives from the twin scourges of drug overdose and poisonings.
That was the message outlined by volunteers and staff marking International Overdose Awareness Day at R.O.C.K Missions’ Chatham and Wallaceburg sites Aug. 29. Many sported T-shirts from the Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council, emblazoned with the words “Together we can” and “I love someone who uses drugs.”
According to CK Public Health nurse Jordynne Lindsay, there have been 29 toxic drug-poisoning deaths so far this year, already topping 2023’s total of 28 drug-related deaths.
In Ontario, it’s estimated that eight people die from toxic drug poisoning every day. These are deaths that the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health said are preventable.
In C-K, officials said the majority of toxic drug deaths stem from an unregulated supply of drugs such as the synthetic opioid fentanyl, that’s been cut with sedatives like benzodiazepines, making it difficult for people to protect themselves.
“It’s really hard for people to prepare and be safe in the unregulated supply,” Lindsay said.
There’s a distinction between drug overdose and poisoning, she added, as overdose implies someone took too much of a drug intentionally, while a poisoning is accidental.
“The contaminants are causing the poisoning deaths,” Lindsay explained, stressing the importance of the opioid reversing drug naloxone and harm reduction in a “person-centred” approach making peer support critical in the fight to save lives.
“We believe everyone deserves the care and the time it takes to reach out because someone who dies cannot recover,” the nurse explained, adding a message of care must be conveyed to users.
“We love you; we care about you. You matter and we want you to be around tomorrow,” Lindsay said. “We’ll help you when you’re ready.”
Carrying that message to drug users is one of R.O.C.K.’s goals. Currently, the agency has 15 peer support workers, including Marcus VanDusen.
VanDusen, who has been doing the work for the past four years, said he had “lost himself” until he found R.O.C.K. Missions which given him a “sense of purpose.
“I wouldn’t change a thing,” he added.
When dealing with people addicted to substances, VanDusen said the simple things matter.
“Just listen to what they have to say,” he advised. “It makes a big difference.”
“Everybody’s got their reason to be involved,” Lindsay added. “We’d be nothing without our volunteers.”
