Reopen overdose response service

Our family has four generations of born and bred Albertans.

Recently, there have been many times that comments or policies of the UCP government have caused me to lower my eyes in shame, but among the most noxious, is the closing of and comments about Alberta Health Services’ Virtual Overdose Response Pilot Project.

There is ample evidence-based research that clearly demonstrates harm reduction facilities save lives. This is a fact. Further, it is also a fact that the opioid crisis has caused the loss of many lives. Each one of these deaths touches many more people. This reality has become much more volatile during the COVID-19 pandemic, and yet, ministers Shandro and Luan have chosen to “pause” this life-saving project. Even if their argument for “safe services” is given credibility, one still must be alive to access these woefully inadequate treatments. Shame on you, sirs!

Perhaps the UCP believes the majority of Albertans would support these mean-spirited practices. I believe they are wrong. Times are changing as witnessed by recent protests and uprisings.

I demand the government immediately rescind this order and reopen the AHS’ Virtual Overdose Response Pilot Project. Far too many have already died.

Evelyn Violini, Turner Valley