DBIA and Welcoming Street program responding to increase in overdoses in Belleville

The Downtown Belleville BIA has released the following statement this morning:

The Downtown Belleville Business Improvement Area (BIA) and Welcoming Streets are responding to the alarming increase in local overdoses. Welcoming Streets and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health are joining forces to equip downtown business owners with essential life-saving skills and medication.

Overdoses, drug poisonings, and other life-threatening situations can happen at any time and any location. Downtown Belleville has recognized a need for immediate, on the ground intervention in these critical moments. Through their therapeutic approach, Welcoming Streets has been supporting community members since 2021, connecting people to vital services and assisting businesses with uncertain situations.

“Our unique partnership ensures a collaborative effort to address a concerning rise in overdoses and drug poisonings. Recognizing the critical role that businesses play in fostering  a safe and supportive environment, providing comprehensive training sessions empowers them to act swiftly and effectively in emergency situations” says Sara Behring, Welcoming Streets Program Coordinator.

Twelve businesses in the Downtown District are currently trained in the administration of life-saving medication and carry naloxone on-site. The training will take place this week at Loyalist Accelerate downtown, offering a refresher to existing businesses while also training new ones.

“We firmly believe that everyone has a role to play in addressing the opioid crisis”, stated Danielle Hanoman, Executive Director of the DBIA. “By collaborating with local businesses, HPEPH, and Welcoming Streets, we are expanding our reach to ensure that more individuals have the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to overdose emergencies, enhancing public safety and well-being.”

If a drug poisoning (overdose) is witnessed, businesses are encouraged to complete an anonymous report to HPEPH through their overdose reporting form via the following link, https://www.hpepublichealth.ca/report-an-overdose/.

For more information on Welcoming Streets or harm reduction and safer drug use, please email Sara Behring, Welcoming Streets Program Coordinator at welcome@downtownbelleville.ca or visit https://www.hpepublichealth.ca/harm-reduction.