Town hall on drug poisoning crisis in region being held this week
Posted May 30, 2023 04:05:29 PM.
Last Updated May 30, 2023 04:50:51 PM.
As the region continues to face an opioid crisis, a virtual town hall is being held to bring awareness to the issue.
‘The Drug Poisoning Crisis in Waterloo Region’ will feature Outreach Workers and those with a background in public health.
One of the guest speakers will be Michael Parkinson, a drug strategies specialist.
Nearly ten years ago, Parkinson assisted in issuing the first advisory on the bootleg of fentanyl in the region, in a previous position with the Crime Prevention Council.
He stressed that there has been a real absence of leadership in all levels of government when it comes to the opioid crisis, with a lack of targets, timelines and designated resources.
“In Waterloo Region, just in the last five years, 626 people have died,” Parkinson stated. “They didn’t intend to die. Those are accidental deaths. They’re largely preventable.”
According to data provided by the Waterloo Region Police Service, there have been 27 suspected opioid related overdose deaths in the region in 2023.
Regional data also shows that there have been 504 overdose related emergency calls in the last six months.
70 per cent of those calls have been made for men.
The town hall, taking place on June 1st, is being organized by Regional Councillor Rob Deutschmann.
Those interested registering and attending ‘The Drug Poisoning Crisis in Waterloo Region’ can sign up at the WR Community Town Halls website.
