Anishinabek

Every Aug. 31, International Overdose Awareness Day brings a global community together to take action on overdose.

Addiction is not a choice. And we know from experience that asking people to not do drugs is ineffective. Evidence shows that meeting people who use drugs “where they’re at” reduces stigma associated with substance use, and by extension, reduces barriers to access to supports and assistance (including emergency response).

To ensure our communities and our community partners are supported, the Anishinabek Police Service continues to embrace a harm reduction approach to substance use that is founded in people-first, evidence-based principles. Harm reduction acknowledges that many individuals coping with addiction and problematic substance use may not be in a position to remain abstinent from their substance of choice. Moving beyond the traditional abstinence-only model focuses on keeping people safer today while they still use substances.