The Durham Region Health Department has launched a public education campaign to lessen the stigma for individuals struggling with an opioid use disorder.
The campaign — “People Who Use Drugs are Real People. Get Informed. Get Involved. Get Help” — aims to prevent the stereotyping and judging that often prevents people from seeking help, a Durham Region Health Department statement says.
“The opioid crisis continues to have great impact on communities across Durham region,” Durham public health nurse Megan Green said in a statement released Wednesday. “It’s important for us to come together as a community to support our residents, neighbours, friends, and family members who may be struggling with substance use disorders. Most of us know someone who is struggling or has struggled with substances. People with substance use disorders are real people deserving of our care and compassion.”
One of the ads points out that many people who go on to develop a disorder first began using opioids legitimately for treatment of pain.
Recovery Day events, which raise awareness and challenge stigma, are often held in September, the statement notes.
Oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine, codeine and heroin are all examples of opioids.
The Durham Region Health Department says on its website that the number of people in the region that died from opioid use increased to 58 in 2017 from 18 in 2013.
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