PETERS: Katherine McParland’s cause of death does nothing to tarnish her sterling legacy

She died of an accidental drug overdose.

Her death was sad and tragic and came far, far too soon for a woman who, in her short life, had already given so much to her community.

But now that the cause of death is known, her death will also, for some, spawn derision and self-righteousness.

Don’t let it happen.

People like to think they are better than people who use drugs — but no one was better than Katherine McParland.

She took a very difficult early life and turned it into a passion for others in similar circumstances.

Her lived experience fuelled a laser focus on solving the systemic problems that lead far too many teens onto the streets.

Like many people who use drugs, Katherine’s journey was marked with ups and downs — in her case, a long period of sobriety followed by a difficult time.

Now that her cause of death is known, there are at least two lessons the community can learn.

First, the drugs circulating in the community are tainted and do not react the way users expect them to.

Second, the stigma around people who use drugs is very real and very destructive. Substance use affects people of all walks of life, and our refusal to have a respectful conversation is causing real damage and loss.

We need to bring this conversation out of the shadows in order to save people’s lives — people like Katherine McParland whose legacy is nothing but positive in our community.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by James Peters

PETERS: Katherine McParland’s cause of death does nothing to tarnish her sterling legacy

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