Opioid crisis discussed

Dozens of people gathered at Maht Mahs Gymnasium yesterday to discuss the ongoing opioid crisis in Port Alberni.

Social service workers, police and medical professionals gathered to discuss the realities of the toxic drug epidemic that has led to Port Alberni having the third highest overdose death rate per capita in the province.

Chief Councillor Ken Watts said while Tseshaht has taken the lead on moving the discussion forward, he was very pleased to see the entire Alberni Valley community come out to support their efforts and participate in addressing the issue.

“It’s just great to see everyone come together in the valley,” he said. “I remind people this doesn’t happen everywhere. Often we work in silos as First Nations and non, or health service and housing but this is everybody coming together and addressing this all together as we work together to develop strategies to address the issue.”

Watts said there is a desperate need for a local detox and recovery centre that can take people in as soon as they reach out for help.

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He said the closest facility is in Nanaimo an has an extensive waiting list.