The situation with Opioids in Northumberland has been described on this show as a crisis. We have heard from people representing law enforcement, a mental health worker, a doctor, two addicts, a street-level drug counsellor, the leader of an advocacy organization, along with two recovering addicts. The picture they paint is as painful as it is shocking. People in our community are dying. There are others facing drug addictions. And, there were multiple calls for taking a comprehensive action to address the crisis. 

Today, we bring one more perspective to the table. And, it is one of the most critical in this puzzle: the role of the public health providers. Why? Because these are the people in charge of the Drug Strategy to tackle and reduce the harm associated with drugs and alcohol in the community from two important groups. 

I am pleased to welcome Megan Deyman, the Coordinator of the Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland Drug Strategy, AND Catherine MacDonald, substances and harm reduction coordinator at the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Health Unit.