In a proactive move to address the pressing issue of toxic drug overdose within the trades industry, the Cultural Mapping research team from Thompson Rivers University behind DrugAwareBC recently participated in the Annual Interior Logging Association’s AGM & Convention held on Friday, 10/05/2024, and Saturday, 11/05/2024 at the Kamloops Powwow grounds. This event provided a platform for the team to engage with attendees, disseminate essential resources, and conduct a vital naloxone training session.
Setting up the Booth and Engaging Attendees:
The DrugAwareBC team set up a booth dedicated to raising awareness about the crisis at the convention. Attendees were provided with informative flyers detailing crucial information about the DrugAwareBC project and branded merchandise bearing the website DrugAwareBC.com, emphasizing the team’s commitment to accessibility. Additionally, attendees were introduced to the team’s initiative of creating free educational material, envisioned as a micro-credential for individuals embarking on trade careers. This initiative resonated with many, further underscoring the importance of addressing the crisis within the industry.
The flier about DrugAwareBC that was distributed at the Tradeshow event
Naloxone Training Session
A notable highlight of the event was the naloxone training session led by Lana Fine, a member of the research team. Attendees were equipped with life-saving knowledge, learning to recognize signs of overdose and administer naloxone effectively. This session emphasized the team’s dedication to providing tangible solutions and support to individuals within the trades community.
Engagement and Conversations
Throughout the convention, attendees had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with members of the DrugAwareBC team. Personal stories and experiences shared by participants added depth to the discussions, highlighting the urgency of addressing the crisis within the trade industry. Attendees were also informed about the team’s ongoing efforts to develop free educational material, aimed at empowering individuals starting in the trades with essential knowledge and resources.
As the convention concluded, the DrugAwareBC team reflected on the impact of their efforts. The event served as a pivotal moment in raising awareness and providing crucial resources to attendees, while also advancing the team’s goal of creating accessible educational material for those entering the trades. With ongoing initiatives and projects in the pipeline, DrugAwareBC looks forward to continuing its mission of addressing the toxic drug overdose crisis and promoting a safer environment for all.
Written by Angel Masano, Thompson Rivers University