Opioid Response Training for Community Organizations

Opioid poisonings are on the rise across Canada, and more communities are impacted by the crisis every day. The need for support is growing – especially in communities that are underserved by existing services.

Many communities experience high rates of opioid use, but lack the support needed to manage and prevent poisonings. Community members may struggle to access education or health services, including naloxone*.

*Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses the effects of opioids on the brain. It is an important tool that can save the life of someone experiencing an opioid poisoning.

Underserved Program Overview

St.John Ambulance’s Underserved program supports communities that experience barriers by providing training and nasal naloxone kits. Community members are invited to attend a group training where they learn about opioid use, poisonings, and how to use naloxone. After the training, each participant will receive 1 to 2 kits of nasal naloxone. They can use this naloxone if there is an opioid poisoning in their home, workplace, or any other setting.

The course is divided into four modules:

• Harm Reduction
• How to respond to an opioid poisoning
• How to administer nasal Naloxone
• Self-Care after a Traumatic Event

Is My Community Eligible?

Many types of communities are eligible for this program. Examples include:

• First Nations, or Inuit or Metis Communities
• Rural or Northern communities
• School communities
• Drug Users’ Networks

If you belong to a community organization and would like to coordinate this training in your community, please contact St.John’s Ambulance.

Learn more and register.