Combating the Toxic Drug Crisis: How The New PPE is advocating for change in British Columbia

Addiction Recovery Journey

The Toxic Drug Crisis in British Columbia: A Call for Urgent Action

By Matthew Kalenuik ICADC CAPM CCS-AC CCCS | Posted August 30, 2024

In the shadow of British Columbia’s breathtaking landscapes lies a devastating reality: the province is grappling with the deadliest toxic drug crisis in its history. In 2023, a staggering 2,511 lives were lost to unregulated drugs – an average of nearly 7 deaths per day. This grim statistic isn’t just a number; it represents thousands of shattered families, grieving friends, and communities in crisis.

Since the public health emergency was first declared in April 2016, over 14,200 British Columbians have succumbed to this silent epidemic. It’s now the leading cause of death for those aged 10 to 59, surpassing homicides, suicides, accidents, and natural diseases combined. The crisis doesn’t discriminate, but it does have a disproportionate impact: 75% of victims are male, and First Nations people are dying at nearly six times the rate of other B.C. residents.

In the face of this unprecedented crisis, organizations like The New PPE are stepping up with innovative approaches to harm reduction. C. Michael Kinsella, the executive director of The New PPE, puts it bluntly: “We’re #1 [in mortality rate], so give us our f******** prize. We want nasal naloxone in this province.” His frustration is palpable, mirroring the urgency felt by countless British Columbians who have lost loved ones to this crisis.

This article delves into the work of The New PPE, exploring their groundbreaking strategies to combat the toxic drug crisis, the challenges they face, and how every British Columbian can play a role in turning the tide. As we navigate through the complexities of this issue, one thing becomes clear: it’s time for a new approach to harm reduction, one that values lives above all else.

The Scope of the Crisis: A Devastating Epidemic

The toxic drug crisis in British Columbia has reached unprecedented levels, touching every corner of the province and affecting individuals from all walks of life. The statistics paint a grim picture of a crisis that continues to escalate despite ongoing efforts to combat it.

The crisis doesn’t discriminate, but certain demographics are disproportionately affected. Michael Kinsella, executive director of The New PPE, emphasizes the widespread nature of the crisis: “It’s not your foreman’s ******* cocaine out there anymore.” This stark statement underscores how the drug landscape has changed, becoming increasingly dangerous and unpredictable. The construction industry has been hit particularly hard. Kinsella, drawing from his background in construction, notes, “One in five is a tradesperson. One in 13 was just on a construction site within the last six months, fully employed.” This statistic shatters the stereotype that the crisis only affects those struggling with unemployment or homelessness.

Geographically, the crisis spans the entire province, with the highest number of deaths occurring in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health Authorities. However, the highest death rates were recorded in Northern Health, highlighting the crisis’s reach beyond urban centers.

Perhaps most troubling is that 80% of unregulated drug deaths in 2023 occurred indoors, with nearly half in private residences. This statistic underscores the challenge of reaching those who use drugs alone and the critical need for widespread naloxone distribution and education.

The New PPE‘s focus on the construction industry and other high-risk workplaces is a direct response to these statistics. As Kinsella puts it, “Imagine if every blue fence you see had somebody behind it with naloxone, available, ready and willing to help.” This vision of widespread preparedness could be a game-changer in combating the crisis.

As we delve deeper into The New PPE‘s approach, it’s clear that addressing this crisis requires innovative strategies that reach beyond traditional healthcare settings and into the everyday spaces where British Columbians live and work.

The New PPE‘s Approach to Harm Reduction: A Life-Saving Revolution

In the face of British Columbia’s toxic drug crisis, The New PPE is pioneering an innovative approach to harm reduction that focuses on widespread nasal naloxone distribution, particularly in high-risk workplaces. This strategy aims to put life-saving tools directly into the hands of those most likely to encounter an overdose situation.

Nasal Naloxone: A Game-Changer in Overdose Prevention

The cornerstone of The New PPE‘s approach is the advocacy for nasal naloxone distribution. As C. Michael Kinsella passionately argues, “We want nasal naloxone in this ******* province.” This form of naloxone is preferred over injectable versions due to its ease of use and reduced barriers to administration. It can be quickly and safely administered by individuals with minimal training, making it ideal for workplace settings where medical professionals may not be immediately available.

Kinsella emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of nasal naloxone: “If you do feel like you’re about to go, a nasal spray is a lot easier than self-injecting intramuscular, I mean you open the case and ”
‘Oh I gotta unwrap the needle? Oh I gotta fill it from a vial (kept in a childproof bottle.) Where’s the needle go?’ It’s not working.” This vivid description highlights the critical advantage of nasal naloxone in emergency situations where every second counts.

Targeting High-Risk Workplaces: Construction Sites in Focus

The New PPE has identified construction sites and other high-risk workplaces as prime targets for their harm reduction efforts. This focus is backed by alarming statistics, again: “20% of these deaths are happening to tradaesworkers,” Kinsella notes. By targeting these industries, The New PPE aims to reach a demographic that’s often overlooked in traditional harm reduction strategies.

The organization advocates for making nasal naloxone a standard part of workplace first aid kits, especially on construction sites. Kinsella paints a powerful vision: “Imagine if every blue fence you see had somebody behind it with naloxone, available, ready and willing to help.” This approach not only saves lives but also helps destigmatize substance use disorders in traditionally conservative industries.

Collaboration and Education: Key to Implementation

The New PPE‘s strategy extends beyond mere distribution. They work tirelessly to educate employers and workers about the importance of having naloxone readily available. By collaborating with construction industry associations and unions, they aim to implement comprehensive naloxone programs and training.

Kinsella highlights the readiness of the construction industry to embrace this approach: “There is an army of trades people out there who are more than happy to get involved and help and be there to take some of the load off the healthcare system.” This willingness to help is a crucial asset in The New PPE‘s mission.

A New Definition of Safety Equipment

By promoting nasal naloxone as an essential first aid supply, The New PPE is redefining workplace safety for the modern era. Just as hard hats and steel-toed boots protect against physical hazards, naloxone protects against the very real threat of overdose in high-risk industries. Through their focused approach on nasal naloxone distribution and targeting of high-risk workplaces, The New PPE is not just saving lives – they’re changing the conversation around harm reduction and workplace safety in British Columbia. Their innovative strategy offers a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against the toxic drug crisis.

Overcoming Obstacles: Education and Destigmatization as Key Strategies

The New PPE‘s innovative approach to harm reduction faces significant challenges, primarily rooted in stigma and political hesitation. However, the organization recognizes that education and destigmatization are powerful tools in overcoming these obstacles.

Battling Stigma and Political Hurdles

Michael Kinsella candidly addresses the political challenges: “…we all saw a few weeks ago in the news, the announcement of a Fraser Health Portal were people could go online and order naloxone, or order test kits and have them delivered to their door. Four days later it’s quietly taken down…” This highlights the complex landscape The New PPE must navigate, where evidence-based harm reduction strategies often clash with political sensitivities.

The stigma surrounding substance use remains a significant barrier. Kinsella notes, “It seems like there’s this new form of bigotry towards people with mental health and substance misuse disorders.” This stigma not only affects individuals struggling with addiction but also hampers efforts to implement effective harm reduction strategies.

Education as a Catalyst for Change

The New PPE emphasizes the critical role of education in their harm reduction strategy. By providing accurate, non-judgmental information about substance use and its risks, they aim to equip individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Kinsella draws a powerful parallel to sex education: “We teach our kids sex ed, which was, inpart, brought in to help bring down the teenage pregnancy epidemic that was going on in the late 80s, early 90s, and has been proven to be effective. Why doez harm reduction education stop there?” This comparison underscores the potential impact of comprehensive harm reduction education in reducing the harms associated with substance use.

The organization’s approach aligns with the harm reduction principle of meeting people “where they’re at.” As Kinsella states, “Even if you’ve made the choice to do drugs, you should still have the opportunity to make the choice to do it safely.” This pragmatic approach acknowledges the reality of substance use while prioritizing safety and health.

Destigmatization Through Understanding

The New PPE‘s educational efforts extend beyond just providing information about naloxone use. They aim to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes about drug use and users. Kinsella emphasizes, “Addiction has been considered a disease since the 1950s, and we’re still arguing about that in 2024.”

By humanizing the issue and highlighting the diverse backgrounds of those affected by the toxic drug crisis, The New PPE works to shift societal attitudes. Their focus on high-risk workplaces like construction sites helps to dispel the myth that substance use issues only affect certain demographics.

A Call for Comprehensive Action

The New PPE advocates for a multi-faceted approach that combines harm reduction strategies with education and destigmatization efforts. Kinsella articulates their vision: “Once we get to a place where maybe we have somehow managed to curb said mortality like destigmatization through education, through compassion programs, through whatever else we can come up with.”

By addressing the crisis through education, destigmatization, and practical harm reduction tools like nasal naloxone, The New PPE aims to create a more informed, compassionate, and effective response to the toxic drug crisis in British Columbia. Their approach recognizes that overcoming the challenges of stigma and political resistance is essential to saving lives and creating lasting change.

To date they’ve aligned a number of supporters to take action on the issue, and continue to add more.

Now What?

As the toxic drug crisis continues to claim lives across British Columbia, The New PPE urges every reader to take action. Visit their website at thenewppe.org to learn more about their mission and how you can support it. Reach out to your local politicians and government officials, advocating for the inclusion of nasal naloxone in the province’s take-home naloxone program and its integration into workplace safety protocols. Reach out to organizations like Last Door or other community organizations and ask what can be done to help.

Attend upcoming events like Recovery Day BC on September 7th in New Westminster to show your support and learn more. Most importantly, educate yourself and others about harm reduction strategies and work to challenge the stigma surrounding substance use in your community. As Michael Kinsella emphasizes, “It’s time to row in the same direction.”

Your voice and actions can make a difference in saving lives and reshaping how we approach this crisis. Together, we can create a safer, more compassionate British Columbia for all.