OTTAWA,
ON, June 28, 2024 /CNW/ - The overdose crisis
is one of the most serious public health crises our country has
ever faced. It is driven by a dangerous illegal synthetic drug
supply that is unpredictable and increasingly toxic. Powerful drugs
like fentanyl, and other emerging synthetic opioids are
flooding the illegal drug supply and resulting in an increase in
harms and deaths. No community has been left untouched. The tragic
impacts are seen and felt among our friends, our families, and our
neighbours.
The data released today shows the continuation of a trend of
consistently high levels of opioid-related deaths and harms since
2020. The number of opioid-related deaths, hospitalizations and
emergency services responses in 2023 were comparable to what was
observed during the pandemic. Since 2016, there have been 44,592
opioid-related deaths. Despite ongoing efforts at all levels of
government and with partners across the country, 8,049 people lost
their lives to opioids in 2023. That's an average of 22 people
dying each day.
We also know that 75% of those who lost their lives were men.
Many of these men work in trades and physically demanding jobs, and
are more impacted by substance use and addiction than other fields
of work. The stigma they face is also great, as men are less likely
to talk about their substance use or mental health challenges for
fear of being judged or penalized.
That's why we recently re-launched an updated Ease the Burden
campaign to offer free resources for men struggling with substance
use and to share the message that "it takes strength to ask for
help." The campaign also includes information for employers to help
start a conversation about substance use and addiction in the
workplace. The goal is to create a space where men feel safe and
supported to reach out for help if they are struggling with
substance use and addiction, to reduce stigma around getting help,
and to ultimately save lives.
There is no single solution to addressing this crisis and no
organization or level of government can solve this crisis alone.
Together with our partners, we must continue to look at every tool
we have available to support both public health and public safety.
This means investing in evidence-based actions across the spectrum
of substance use prevention, harm reduction and treatment. As well,
we must continue to try new and innovative approaches to respond to
this unprecedented crisis, and modify those approaches as we gain
new evidence. We are committed to doing everything we can to
prevent opioid-related deaths and harms.
The Honourable Ya'ara Saks, P.C., M.P.
SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada