In the first 15 weeks of the pandemic, almost 700 people died from overdose - thats an avg of 46 people dying each WEEK.
Its anticipated that there will be a 50% INCREASE in the number of people who die from overdose in 2020 in comparison to 2019. #ONpoli
Since the beginning of this crisis in 2016/2017 - more and more people keep dying FROM PREVENTABLE DEATHS from the toxic illicit drug supply.
A toxic illicit drug supply thats a direct result of years of prohibition - prohibition born out of white supremacy.
From the anti-Asian racist riots in Van to Canadian feminist Emily Murphys theory of BIPOC ppl using drugs to destroy the "purity" of the white race to alcohol bans against Indigenous ppl - we must confront racist origins of drug laws as roots of crisis
It shouldn't surprise us then to see that ppl most structurally oppressed - those living at the intersections of material deprivation/poverty & racialization are more likely to die not just from COVID19, BUT ALSO FROM ODs.
Bare minimum solutions?
🗣 Decriminalization - END THE RACIST WAR ON PPL WHO USE DRUGS
🗣 Full spectrum of regulated #SafeSupply & Low Barrier OAT
🗣 SUPERVISED CONSUMPTION - there should be an OPS in every town/city/community & hospital/COVIDhotels/shelters/respites/clinics