An emotional demonstration for International Overdose Awareness Day in downtown Kelowna drew a somber crowd.

The event was organized by Moms Stop the Harm (MSTH) Kelowna, a group of parents who have been impacted by the toxic drug supply.

Robin Lukash became involved with the group after her son, David, died of a drug poisoning.

She said that she considers his death a poisoning because he thought that he was taking cocaine, but the substance was laced with fentanyl. She said without testing, many people who use illicit substances are not confident that what they purchased is what they have received.

害羞草研究所�(People) should be able to go to the pharmacy害羞草研究所� and be able to get what they need.害羞草研究所�

People with substance use disorders may not always be ready to seek help or stop using. It is important to have supports in place that are available anytime people are ready to seek help.

She advocates for prescribed safe supply, so that people can 害羞草研究所渟top the pain enough that they can get help.害羞草研究所�

Lukash said that programs like safe supply coupled with additional social supports are an important step in combating the toxic drug supply.

害羞草研究所淲e need to keep people alive long enough for them to get the help that they need.害羞草研究所�

She urges people to have open discussions and share stories about how overdose has impacted their life. Lukash wants to bring the issue out of the dark.

害羞草研究所淭alk to your kids, talk to your friends, don害羞草研究所檛 use alone, use naloxone, and have your voices heard that this is a big issue.害羞草研究所�

Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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