A Richmond city councillor wants to see overdose reversal kits in all civic buildings.
Coun. Kash Heed will bring forward a motion to city council to have naloxone – an injectable drug that reserves the effects of an overdose or drug poisoning – at the Richmond Olympic Oval and other civic buildings.
Civic buildings such as community centres and arenas don’t currently have naloxone kits available for staff to administer.
People who overdose or receive a toxic drug often go into respiratory arrest, something that can be reversed using naloxone.
In his motion that he’s requested to be on the agenda at Monday’s city council meeting, Heed said having naloxone available “can potentially save lives before medical professionals arrive.”
Furthermore, it can reduce stigma around opioid use and addiction, he added, “while sending a message that individuals struggling with acute opioid use and people who use opioids recreationally deserve access to life-saving interventions and support, rather than judgment or punishment.”
So far this year, 16 people have died in Richmond of a suspected drug-poisoning, according to the BC Coroners Service.
“By preventing fatal overdoses, we can help protect not only individuals who use opioids, but also their families, friends, and communities from the devastating impact of losing a loved one,” Heed said in his motion.
He notes also that good Samaritan laws “protect individuals who administer naloxone in good faith from legal repercussions.”
