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June 29th, 2017
This information is shared in cooperation with Region of Waterloo Public Health, Waterloo Regional Police Service, and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board.
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Parenting your child/children is the most important job you will ever experience. As parents and caregivers, it is important to be aware of the risks of drugs, including overdose.
Ontario and Waterloo Region have seen a rise in opioid-related deaths in recent years. There are many factors contributing to the rise of overdoses in our community, one being the presence of a drug called fentanyl. According to the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario, the number of drug-related overdose and deaths in Ontario is increasing. Local data shows that the number of overdose deaths in Waterloo Region doubled between 2009 and 2015 and continues to rise.
On June 27, 2017, Waterloo Regional Police Services reported that there were 35 suspected overdose related deaths in Waterloo Region since the start of the year, that’s nearly as many deaths as the entire 2015 year.
Being a parent/caregiver in the current climate of social media can be very difficult and stressful. As a parent/caregiver, we constantly worry about the safety of our children. Drugs are part of our society and the best way to decrease harms is to have accurate information. We are hoping this letter will allow you to start a conversation with your child about the current issues of drug use, including the risks of overdose, the use of prescription medications (from a pharmacy or made on the street) and the dangers of combining drugs with alcohol. This approach includes both preventing substance use and decreasing harms to our youth who are using drugs.
Overdose does not discriminate – it can happen to anyone’s family. It is important to equip ourselves with knowledge about drug use including the signs and symptoms of overdose and what to do in an overdose situation. Part of this includes reminding youth that a person who calls 911 in an overdose situation is protected from police charges of drug possession (Bill C-224/Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act).
As we approach the end of the school year we would like to remind parents/caregivers about the importance of this issue. Having supportive conversations is a good place to start. For more information and support please visit www.waterlooregiondrugstrategy.ca
We have included more detailed information below to help you start a conversation at home.
We thank you for taking the time to read this information letter.
Where can I get more support and information?
Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy
Here 24/7 (Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington)
1-844-437-3247
Sanguen Health Centre
519-603-0223
Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services
519-575-4400
Waterloo Region Integrated Drugs Strategy
Ray of Hope (providing youth and addiction services)
519-743-2311
info@rayofhope.net
This information expires once printed. Please always refer to the online version for the most current information.