Richmond Fentanyl Forum for parents, care providers

In an aim to help community members understand the current opioid overdoes epidemic in our region, Vancouver Costal Health along with Richmond Fire-Rescue, BC Emergency Health Services, Richmond District Parents Association, Richmond RCMP, and the Richmond School District are partnering to provide a community forum on Wednesday, November 16 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The forum will consist of a 30 minute presentation, followed by a question-and-answer period with the panel of representatives from the mentioned agencies.

More than 500 people across BC have died as a result of drug overdoses since the beginning of 2016. A majority of these deaths were associated with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid narcotic which is 100-times more toxic than morphine.

According to Dr. Meena Dawar, Medical Health Officer, VCH Richmond, even exceptionally small doses of fentanyl (up to 2 milligrams, the size of a grain or two of salt) could cause breathing to slow down and may lead to brain injury or even death.

“This is why this forum is so important for Richmond residents or caregivers to attend,” added Dawar.

The forum will be held at Richmond Secondary School, in the gymnasium, located at, 7171 Minoru Boulevard, on Wednesday, November 16, 7 p.m.