The Community and Cultural Mapping Research Group has been deeply involved in the “Cultural Mapping Lived/Living Experiences of the Toxic Drug Overdose Crisis in BC’s Small Cities” project. Their current focus is on the vital role of tradespeople in addressing this crisis, following the successful Trades Drug Overdose Mapping Exhibition in March 2024. This exhibition led to the creation of DrugAwareBC.com in early May—a dedicated website serving as a resource hub for this critical project.
Their ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive drug awareness training course tailored specifically for those working in the trades. This micro-credential course, designed in partnership with Thompson Rivers University, aims to empower tradespeople with essential knowledge about drug awareness and safety, starting from high school apprentices to established professionals.
What to Expect from the Drug Awareness Training Course:
Coming Spring 2025, this course will offer participants a deep dive into various drugs, their effects, and their profound impact on the workplace. They will learn practical strategies for recognizing signs of substance use and fostering a safe and healthy work environment. The course will also provide valuable insights into managing drug-related issues, including workplace policies, support systems, and resources.
Developments on the Training Course:
To ensure the course’s effectiveness and relevance, they have engaged in extensive consultations and collaborations with knowledgeable individuals in trades and education. One innovative aspect of the course will feature videos of question-and-answer interviews with experienced tradespeople. These interviews will share their personal knowledge of the toxic drug crisis in the trades, their lived experiences, strategies for addressing the crisis, and the importance of having open and honest conversations about this reality.
On August 22nd, 2024, they officially kicked off the interview process, and the insights shared have been invaluable. Inspired by the powerful cultural maps drawn by a seasoned trade professional during their exhibition, which vividly depicted the personal impact of the crisis, they’ve crafted questions that encourage meaningful dialogue.
Highlights from the Interview Sessions
The images depict Jim McCarthy being interviewed by the research team and cultural maps.
Naloxone Training in the Course
As part of the team’s ongoing commitment to education, a naloxone training session was conducted by researcher Lana Fine and recorded by videographer Luke Redgrove. Naloxone training has been an integral part of their initiatives from the start, and it will be a crucial component of the accessible and comprehensive course material.
Through these efforts, the research team is working diligently to create a training course that will start and keep the conversation going on the toxic drug crisis in the trades. Stay tuned for more updates on the course launch, which is set for Spring 2025 on DrugAwareBC.com!