(Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

DRUG USE EDUCATION

Westsyde community boosting access to overdose prevention education following teen’s death

Jun 30, 2020 | 5:13 PM

KAMLOOPS — Following the recent death of a teen from a suspected overdose, a group of parents and volunteers in Westsyde have organized naloxone training and drug education for the community.

Corally Delwo is one of the organizers behind the parent group gathering to learn how to respond to an overdose situation. So far, the private Facebook group ‘Parents of Westsyde / Batch Against Drugs’ has nearly 300 members.

She says they’re also working to educate their teens about the dangers of a toxic drug supply.

“That’s what blows my mind. It’s that these dealers on the street don’t have any regard for the fact that they’re kids. As long as they’re making a buck, they don’t care who they sell it to, and that’s really shameful,” she says, “I really hope that they get caught.”

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Community members who work within harm reduction with ASK Wellness, and mental health and addiction services with Interior Health have volunteered to show parents and teens how to administer naloxone. They’ll also be providing information around where residents can get help.

“We are also offering up a lot of information that helps the kids know where to turn to if they’re feeling like they can’t talk to their parents, or maybe the parents are feeling like they’re struggling with their kids,” explains Delwo. “It’s also offering resources in the community that we can help them get access to.”

Tuesday’s (June 30) gathering takes place in Westsyde’s Centennial Park at 6:30 p.m, with plans to set up additional drug education sessions in the future.

(For a link to access Parents of Westsyde / Batch Against Drugs, click here.)