As we come to the end of 2020, it has been a year of uncertainty and isolation as we all deal with the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic. This will definitely be noted in the history books. For Moms Stop The Harm, our hearts go out to all those most vulnerable who are dealing with the collision of two critical health emergencies; COVID-19 and the OVERDOSE CRISIS.

Sadly we have seen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the increased numbers of overdose related deaths. The stress and isolation of COVID-19 has presented enormous challenges for individuals who struggle and the front line agencies who work tirelessly offering their support. The tragic surge in overdoses throughout the pandemic has only underlined the immediate need for a safer supply. The convergence of these two health epidemics has heightened the importance of MSTH advocacy efforts as we go into the New Year.

We’d like to close this year in honour and remembrance of all those we have tragically lost and the families left behind to grieve. These tragic losses only serve to strengthen our commitment for change. Our hope continues for those who struggle as we strongly advocate for a safer supply to put an end to the overdose deaths.

As we close this year, we extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all our members and donors for their support of our advocacy efforts. The contributions you make both financially and in solidarity are making a difference. Here are some examples of where your support has made an impact!

MSTH was able to hire its first employee which has provided helpful support to the board and our program development.
Membership throughout Canada received funds to assist in the purchase of MSTH banners and MSTH Brochures which in turn help families feel connected to support.
Due to COVID 19, MSTH assisted with the purchase of Zoom accounts to continue the vital support needed to families in our Healing Hearts Bereavement Groups and Holding Hope Support group.
MSTH assisted in funding the development of a French MSTH FB group and the translation of materials for our French speaking citizens. We are working on a French version of our website for early 2021.
MSTH Memorial Photos took place in Edmonton, AB, Piikani Nation land, AB, Regina, SK and Victoria and Mission, BC. this past year.
While COVID-19 put an end to most in-person events it was also the beginning of our online meetings and webinars (see last point). The board used this time to hold planning meetings to develop or refine our mission, vision and values.
IOAD events were held in many communities across Canada, mostly virtually, but some centres held small gatherings.
MSTH streamed a Facebook live event for International Overdose Awareness Day which can be viewed here
Anti - Stigma Billboards were displayed in Victoria, Vancouver and Kelowna, BC., Edmonton and Calgary, AB., Saskatoon and Regina, SK., Winnipeg, MB., Ottawa, ON and Montreal, QC. Many of these can be viewed on our Instagram channel.
Additional white Christmas trees were purchased as a memorial display in Powell River, BC., Kelowna, BC., Kamloops, BC., Peterborough, ON and other centres are in the works. These trees were made possible by MSTH members in their local communities.
BC launched its Stronger Together project with funding from the BC Government “Community Crisis Innovation Fund”. The goal of the project is to build capacity for family-led support groups in regions and towns where little or none exists: Healing Hearts (for families experiencing the grief of losing a loved one to drugs), and Holding Hope (for families with loved ones using drugs).
Victoria/Vancouver Island, BC Members held a series of four loud protests outside the Ministry of Health Building calling for Safe Supply and Decriminalization.
Gone Too Soon Handbooks, vital to those newly bereaved, were printed and handed out to families across Canada. A French version is also available.
Some of our advocates are engaged in peaceful civil disobedience to protect unsanctioned safes supply initiative and overdose prevention sites in Vancouver, BC and Lethbridge, Alberta.
Members in BC and AB protested the lack of and effective government response to the crisis in Victoria BC, and against the closure of supervised consumption services in Alberta.
The results of the first ever Canadian research project into mother’s advocacy MSTH participated in were published and a final report sent to all mothers who contributed.
While many conferences and meetings were cancelled, MSTH participated in several events earlier in the year and remotely during and after the shutdown, including Health Canada Public Edition Partnership Meeting.
Spearheaded by team Ontario, we launched our Petition to the Government of Canada and Motion to Municipalities calling for urgent action on the overdose crisis.
Together with other advocacy groups and allies we participated in important letter writing campaigns to political leaders, such a letter to the Alberta Government in support of the cancelled iOAT program and our objection to the proposed involuntary care for youths (Bill 22) in BC.
MSTH board members and advocates continue to serve and provide the voice of families on local, regional, provincial and national boards and commissions, including the Health Canada People with Lived and Living Experience Council and the Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction LLEAFF (Lived and Living Experience Family and Friends) committee.
The documentary Flood, Inside the Opioid Epidemic in Canada, filmed in 2019 was released. Several of our members contributed to the documentary and to a follow-up, filmed this year in Alberta.
We were invited and pleased to contribute to the the “#GettingToTomorrow Ending the Overdose Crisis” project by the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition. Several members were featured in videos for the project, and our members from New Brunswick and Quebec at spoke meetings and contributed their child’s stories.
Several Moms Stop The Harm members gathered with PURPLE WING mothers of drug victims Internationaler Mütterverein G-Austria, as well as moms (and one dad) from Poland, Germany, and Sweden for an online candle lighting ceremony to remember our loved ones lost to substance use related causes.
MSTH held several webinars in 2020 including the following which can be viewed on our YouTube channel:
- Ask Mom" Seminar: The Opioid Crisis, With an Eye on Design
- IOAD Strategies Video
- Petition to the Canadian Federal Government on the Overdose Crisis
- From Grief To Advocacy with Petra Schulz
- Pivot Legal Society - Decriminalization, Defunding and Regulation of Safe Supply