Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich says there’s no time to waste when it comes to fighting the overdose crisis.
That’s why he’s penned a proposal that recommends educating people before it’s too late.
“We have got to change the sort of culture around party drug use,” said Rich.
“We’ve [also] got to change the work that happens around people using pain medication because we’ve had a lot of people end up on street drugs after getting addicted to, you know, opioids used for pain. And we’ve got to help young people who end up using drugs to self-medicate or experiment.”
He says it’s important to also help young people who use drugs to self-medicate or experiment.
He says it’s easier to prevent rather than quitting once people become addicted.
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The proposal adds that prevention and intervention will help reduce stress on first responders.
Rich says the proposal is being sent to mayors, MLA’s and health authorities throughout the province.
He says it’s vital to act fast as this year is on pace to surpass 1,400 overdose deaths.
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