The Government of Yukon has launched a campaign to help Yukoners learn how to change the conversation about drug use and reduce stigma. The campaign hopes to encourage more understanding and compassion so that people who use drugs feel able to talk openly and ask for help.
Many Yukoners know someone affected by substance use, or someone affected by an overdose-related death of a friend, family member or co-worker. By changing the way we talk about drug use and encouraging more open conversations about substance use, we can start to end the stigma.
We need to start having open conversations with our friends and families about drug use. The realities of drug use and the opioid crisis are unavoidable. In the last three years, we’ve lost 21 Yukoners to opioid-related deaths. Even those who only use drugs occasionally are at risk of overdosing. Stigma can hold people back from accessing the help they need, so let’s change the conversation.
-
Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services offers counselling, treatment, and drug education and prevention information. These services are available for all Yukoners. For more information, call 867-456-3838 (toll-free 1-866-456-3838).
-
Since 2016, 21 opioid-related deaths have been confirmed in Yukon, 15 involved fentanyl.
-
Take-home naloxone kits are available across Yukon, visit Drug use prevention to find a distribution site close to you.
-
National Addiction Awareness Week runs from November 11 to 17. Between January 2016 and March 2019, more than 12,800 Canadians have lost their lives as a result of apparent opioid-related overdoses.
Stewart Burnett
Cabinet Communications
867-332-0480
[email protected]
Katrina Russell
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-456-6145
[email protected]