BC Moms Stop the Harm advocates will be out in full force in various locations throughout the province between Thursday April 14 - 16th, 2022 as we mark the 6th Anniversary of the Declaration of the Public Health Emergency.

On April 14, 2016, BC’s provincial health officer declared a public health emergency due to a significant increase in opioid-related overdose deaths. Since that time, the number of people who have died from drug toxicity in BC has risen tragically and dramatically. With 2,224 loves lost in 2021, we are now losing 6.7 people per day to drug poisoning. This is a 26% increase over the previous year.

The preventable loss of life due to the poisoned drug supply in this province cannot continue. We are demanding an immediate scaled up response to the drug poisoning crisis. Last year on the 5th anniversary of the public health emergency the BC Coroner, Lisa Lapointe stated "Today, we remember and grieve the thousands of people who have lost their lives in B.C. due to a toxic illicit drug supply, I extend my heartfelt condolences to all of those who have lost a beloved family member or friend as a result of the unscrupulous and profit-driven illicit drug market. The tragic loss of these thousands of individuals underlines the urgent need for a substantial shift in our provincial and national response to problematic substance use." Her statement is equally relevant in 2022 and the increased deaths in this province only serves to underline that not enough is being done.

This crisis has impacted individuals, families and communities across our province and shows no signs of abating. On April 14th 2022 we will be asking those who are in a political position of power to save lives by responding equally to this crisis as we have seen with other public health emergencies in this province. We have witnessed our government act swiftly when needed and the drug poisoning crisis is no less deserving of the same response. Please join voices with Moms Stop the Harm as we demand immediate life saving measures that will end the deaths related to toxic drug poisoning. Six years have passed, this cannot continue, it is time to take action. Please join us on April 14th, 2022. If you are unable to attend a local event, we invite you to post a photo of your loved one on social media with a simple statement - “My Loved One Matter”. Let us collectively flood social media on this anniversary date of the BC Public Health Emergency.

LISTING OF EVENTS IN BC

Victoria - Thursday April 14th, meet at 11 am at Centennial Square (1 Centennial Square). Our theme is “Cut The Red Tape”. Please bring photos of loved ones, signage and wear red. There will be speeches and we will be marching to the Ministry of Health Building (1515 Blanshard). FREE NALOXONE TRAINING AT THE MINISTRY LOCATION STARTING AT 12 PM

Victoria - Thursday, April 14th (6 -8 pm) - Candlelight Vigil Community Memorial located at Harris Green Park. Bring stories, candles and pictures of those lost.

Vancouver - Thursday April 14th (5 pm - Dusk). Location: Sunset Beach by the barge. To remember and honor those we have lost and rally for those we are still fighting for. FREE NALOXONE TRAINING AVAILABLE.

Mission - Saturday, April 16th (4 pm - 6 pm) MOCAT & MSTH - Location: Lougheed Hwy & Haig Street. Across from the Mission Hills Mall. Info/resources and Naloxone Training.

Maple Ridge - Saturday, April 16th (4 pm - 6pm) MRSOS & MSTH Maple Ridge Memorial Peace Park Bandstand. Info/resources and Naloxone training.

Kelowna - Thursday April 14th ( 9 am - noon) - Look for information booths at 10 Starbucks locations around town. Stop to chat and learn more about the Drug Poisoning Crisis and and the importance of Harm Reduction.

Rossland & Trail - Thursday April 14th (1:00 pm) - To commemorate those who died, the Trail CAT and its members, including REDUN – the Rural Empowered Drug Users Network – are planning a walk from the Cenotaph (Eldorado Street) to the Victoria Street bridge in Trail, meeting there at 1:00 p.m. to hand out hearts, on which people can write their messages of condolence or hope, and black balloons, to symbolize the loved ones we have lost.