By MSTH co-founder Petra Schulz

This was the decade that changed my life forever. Losing my youngest son Danny (25 years young) to fentanyl poisoning after trying to help him deal with problematic substance use, without the right tools and knowledge.

This was the decade when I learned that people who use drugs, like Danny, don’t make bad choices and that I am not a bad mom. Instead I learned that we have seriously flawed and harmful drug policies that have caused thousands to die from substance use related causes in Canada.

This was the decade when I learned about #harmreduction and it’s role in saving lives and building relationships. Too late for Danny, not too late for others. We need ready access in all provinces. #RecoveryWorks as long as we have harm reduction.

This was the decade when the most tragic event in my life led me to the best people. My MSTH co-founders Leslie McBain and Lorna Thomas, all the other great advocates in #MSTH and the many harm reduction friends locally, nationally and globally. You give me strength and hope.

The next decade must be the one that brings change. We are losing a generation & the dying needs to end. We need #safersupply, and decriminalization, ultimately legal regulation. We stand in solidarity with our allies to end the #WarOnDrugs, a war on the people we love. Happy New Year!