The Opioid Crisis In Calgary: An Unseen Epidemic
The opioid crisis in Canada stubbornly persists, causing significant harm to individuals, families, and communities. A particularly troubling hotspot continues to be Calgary, a city that sits in the shadows of the Rockies and experiences a disproportionate share of the nation’s opioid problem. This post highlights the gut-wrenching effects of the growing opioid crisis in Calgary, and the efforts being made to address it.
Overview Of The Opioid Crisis In Calgary
According to a powerful news piece by the CBC titled “The Crime of the 1st Century – The Opioid Crisis” Calgary has become a central hub for the dangerous tide of opioids flowing across Canada. This crisis has led to a higher rate of drug use, violence, drug-related crime, and broad societal impact that stretches across the city’s economic, health, and social sectors.
Key Facts About The Calgary Opioid Crisis
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Rockies, Calgary’s opioid issue paints a stark and dismal contrast in the city’s narrative. Here are some of the critical aspects reported:
- There has been a 200% surge in Calgary’s downtown crime rate since 2014. The rise in crime is directly linked to the growing opioid crisis, resulting in a high volume of reported robberies and assaults. This trend not only endangers local residents but also causes significant financial strain on police and law enforcement agencies.
- Calgary is home to hundreds of homeless inhabitants who have become invisible victims of the opioid crisis. Many grapple with addiction to opioids and other substances, creating a vicious cycle of drug dependence and homelessness.
- Opioid-related deaths in Calgary are not particularly skewed towards any specific demographic—they cut across lines of age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, making the opioid crisis a city-wide issue.
The Opioid Response Initiative
In response to this crisis, Calgary has launched a comprehensive opioid response initiative. It features a multipronged approach that includes law enforcement, healthcare, and community leaders working together to curb the effects of the opioid crisis.
- There has been a concerted effort to increase police presence, particularly in Downtown Calgary, in a bid to curb the surge in crime.
- Calgary’s emergency services have been trained to administer naloxone—a lifesaving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. Training programs for naloxone administration are also being offered to the public, empowering citizens to save lives in overdose situations.
- City leaders are advocating for more funding to expand substance abuse treatment centers and programs focusing on mental health. The aim of these programs is not just to curb substance use, but also to address the underlying issues that perpetuate the cycle of addiction and homelessness.
The Canadian Opioid Abatement Class Action
At the national level, there’s the ongoing Canadian opioid abatement class action—a lawsuit targeted at pharmaceutical companies that allegedly played a part in the rise of the opioid crisis. Defendants in the class-action lawsuit are being sued for billions of dollars, aimed at abatement efforts across Canada, including Calgary. Should the lawsuit prove successful, the funds will be a significant boost in fighting the opioid crisis.
Conclusion
The opioid crisis in Calgary and across Canada is a complex issue with deep societal implications. It is a crisis that demands a well-coordinated, multifaceted response that rehabilitates those affected, penalizes those responsible, and protects future generations from similar epidemics. As civic and community leaders, understanding the severity of the opioid crisis is the first step in combatting it. Let’s join hands in solidarity with Calgary and all other cities affected across the nation to put an end to the opioid epidemic.
We’ve delved into the underworld of the opioid crisis, highlighted its devastating effects, and learnt about the ongoing efforts in Calgary and the landmark national lawsuit. Nevertheless, let us not lose sight of our collective responsibility and power to influence change. Remember, awareness is the first step towards action.
