Author: ESPC Team

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Written by Ugoeze Uchegbu-Okoroh, ESPC Volunteer

Often, there is a disconnect in how we perceive cases of overdose making it seem like a “them” problem and never a “me” problem. What we fail to realize is that we should approach this subject with humility because it indeed concerns us either as affected individuals, close allies, or as members of the society. Consider this hypothetical situation: X, a loving father suffers a workplace injury. The pain is so agonizing that it requires treatment with opioids. X finds himself taking more than he expected to manage the pain. The rest of the story is unfortunately a common reality for so many people. X becomes reliant on opioids to manage the pain, and once he is recovered, he struggles to stop taking them as now his body has become addicted. The psychological impact on a friend or family member whose loved one is struggling with addiction is devastating. Such situations are not occasions to cast blame, guilt, or even wallow in shame, but acknowledging that we cannot always anticipate all the possible ways an addiction can form is the first step. Once someone develops an addiction to opioids, their risk of overdose increases. Overdoses are not only limited to those with addictions, sometimes they happen in regular procedures.

On May 10, 2022, Maria Querales underwent a dental procedure in Texas. She was left with severe brain damage after the anesthesiologist administered too much Fentanyl (Farberov, S. 2021). No one is immune to the risk of overdose. It is not an accurate judge of morality or character; there is a story behind every case. Even the best of us can be affected by an intended or unforeseen overdose. At this point, how a person got there is inconsequential, but rather, recognizing the need for an intervention is what is required to save a life. Importantly, shifting from a mindset of reactiveness to proactiveness could help in curbing overdose incidents.

International Overdose Awareness Day is commemorated yearly on August 31^st. It is the largest campaign to end overdose, raise awareness, and acknowledge the grief of families of people who have died or suffered permanent injury as a result. In reality, this is a daily struggle. In 2023, there was an average of 22 deaths per day in Canada, with the majority of opioid-related deaths occurring in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario (Government of Canada, 2023). During this same year, the rate of overdose deaths per 100,000 persons in Alberta reached the highest number since 2016 at 44.1%. This does not include unknown deaths or causes of deaths still being determined (Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System, 2024). Overdose could occur from non-pharmaceutical opioids such as heroin. Other causes include alcohol, sedatives, or even a combination of both. While overdose can be fatal or non-fatal, one thing is sure – it destroys lives.

The Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction has direct supervision over the overdose crisis in Alberta. To support its Alberta Recovery Model, they recently built a world class recovery centre and opened its doors to persons seeking recovery. This is in addition to providing narcotic transition services, and maintaining a 24-hr addiction helpline, amongst others. One cannot underestimate the role of laws and government policies in the prevention and management of the overdose crisis. In Canada, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protection in the following instances for people who experience or witness overdose and call for help:

•  where there are charges for possession of a controlled substance (i.e. drugs)
• breaches of conditions regarding simple possession of controlled substances (i.e. drugs)

In most cases, this Act applies to anyone that has to seek emergency support during an overdose crisis including the person experiencing the overdose, with the rationale behind it to always prioritize saving lives. In Alberta, while the Alberta Recovery Model which provides long-term treatment to Albertans struggling with addiction, focuses on holistic recovery ensuring smooth reintegration into the society is laudable, there is still need for policy revision. Formerly, effective in controlling overdose was the use of supervised consumption sites which are controlled sites approved by federal and provincial governments, where individuals can practice safe drug use, access clean supplies to limit the spread of infectious diseases, get in touch with addiction and recovery services, and engage with trained staff.  This policy albeit successful, was limited by the Alberta-led UCP Government, thus, reducing the capacity, locations and services of the supervised consumption site. Following the freeze on funding of supervised consumption sites in 2019, the government released a report on the socio-economic impacts of these sites on communities in Alberta citing public safety issues, social disorder, increased crime rate amongst others. Interestingly, this report also stated that no deaths were recorded among people who used drugs at the supervised consumption sites (Government of Alberta, 2020). Dr James D. Livingston criticized this report, noting the reliance on inadequate assessment of public perception of crime, lack of peer review research evidence linking supervised consumption sites to the increased rate of crime, as well as the reliance on police service call data which was misrepresented as crime data and did not take into consideration that service calls included unfounded allegations, uninvestigated incidents, and non-criminal matters (Livingston, 2021). Apart from these, the existing safe consumption sites only include safe spaces for those who inject, and not for those who inhale. It has been suggested that the addition of inhalation sites will drastically reduce the cases of overdose, especially in those that have the fear of needles (Bellefontaine, M. 2024).

The grief, struggles, and pains of family members, friends and allies is a core component of this discussion. While a solid support system is vital in combatting overdose crisis, caregivers are encouraged to lean to support groups and therapy to give them the strength they need to be there for their loved ones. The stigma and shame surrounding drug and substance abuse makes it difficult for individuals to acknowledge their challenges and seek help. Family members and loved ones of people who have died are affected too, as they are indirectly shamed into mourning in silence for fear of being judged. Another major factor to consider is the role of the media. Where news about abuse, overdose or addiction is reported to perpetuate stereotypes, uphold a culture of shame, or apportion guilt, this could deter people from seeking help. Additionally, we must exercise caution to keep issues of overdose and crime distinct. While both may occasionally intersect, it is important to maintain that overdose is a public health crisis and not a crime.

The need to create and sustain awareness is an ongoing duty. The goal is to prevent it from happening to the next person. It is important to continue to reiterate that the problem is the addiction and not the individual. Remember that it is almost impossible for a person to overcome addiction on their own or prevent overdosing, but we can all help. This is a collective call for “no one to be left behind” because every life matters and every moment counts. If you or anyone is seeking help, you can call the addiction helpline at 1-866-332-2322. In addition, here are two helpful resources for you:

How to reduce risk and prevent opioid overdose:

https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/dsa/Page12491.aspx

Get Naloxone:

https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/dsa/Page15586.aspx

References 

1. Farberov, S. (2021, January). Dental patient left brain-damaged after anesthesiologist allegedly suffering ‘cognitive issues’ overdosed her on fentanyl: lawsuit

https://nypost.com/2024/01/16/news/dental-patient-left-brain-damaged-after-fentanyl-overdose/

2. Opioid- and Stimulant-related Harms in Canada.

https://health-infobase.canada.ca/substance-related-harms/opioids-stimulants/

3. Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System (Updated August 2024).

https://healthanalytics.alberta.ca/SASVisualAnalytics/?reportUri=%2Freports%2Freports%2F1bbb695d-14b1-4346-b66e-d401a40f53e6&sectionIndex=0&sso_guest=true&reportViewOnly=true&reportContextBar=false&sas-welcome=false

4. Impacts: A socio-economic review of supervised consumption sites in Alberta.

https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/dfd35cf7-9955-4d6b-a9c6-60d353ea87c3/resource/11815009-5243-4fe4-8884-11ffa1123631/download/health-socio-economic-review-supervised-consumption-sites.pdf

5. Livingston, J. D. (2021). Supervised consumption sites and crime: Scrutinizing the methodological weaknesses and aberrant results of a government report in Alberta, Canada.Harm Reduction Journal, 18(1)

https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-020-00456-2

6. Bellefontaine, M. (2024, June). Inhalation rooms in safe consumption sites could save lives, Alberta advocates say. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/inhalation-rooms-in-alberta-supervised-consumption-sites-could-save-lives-advocates-say-1.7231769

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Written by Susanne Urbina, ESPC Capacity Support Assistant

A village without the elderly is like a well without water. — African proverb (Moorhouse, 2020)

Our societies have been enriched by a group of people who, since 1991, have been recognized every August 21^st on World Seniors Citizens Day. This day was originally founded in 1988 by then U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who proclaimed “senior citizens’ have achieved a lot throughout their lives, and we owe our gratitude” (International Days, 2023, para. 1, 2).

While in most societies, our seniors are appreciated for their achievements and contributions, there are some cultures where elders are most revered. In Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam, wisdom and experience are highly valued. Asian countries believe that the aging population have a great deal to offer and deserve respect (Moorhouse, 2020). An elderly rights law in China, mandates that they visit their aging parents often, otherwise they face potential punishment that ranges from fines to jail time (Martinez-Carter, 2015). Values influenced by Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, puts a principle upon the eldest son to be the caretaker for his aging parents, often by living with them. “Research conducted in 2001 across mainland Japan shows that more than half the population of Japanese people over the age of 60 lived with their children — a figure three to 10 times greater than what was found in Western countries” (Moorhouse, 2020).

France adopted an order in 2004, like the Elderly Rights Law, that young people need to visit their aging parents (Martinez-Carter, 2015).

Dan Buettner is the author of the Blue Zones Solution which explores the lifestyles of the world’s longest-living populations, and in a 2009 TED Talk called “How to Live to 100+”, he said “…the older you get, the more [social] equity you have. The more wisdom you’re celebrated for,”. He also shares “The Grandmother Effect” which promotes ageing parents, children and grandchildren to live under one roof, maintaining that they have lower rates of mortality and rates of disease. This model is seen across many Mediterranean and Latin countries and is mutually beneficial for these multiple generations living together. This is because in this scenario, adult children can go to work knowing that the care of their children is provided by the grandparents. There is so much value in the continued sense of connection and purposefulness a senior citizen would feel with this responsibility (Moorhouse, 2020).

In African countries, Australia and other Indigenous cultures around the world, Elders hold a great deal of power. They may be served first at mealtimes, or act as judges in the community, but are always considered the knowledge-keepers, who have the distinction to pass culture down to the younger generations (Moorhouse, 2020).

“Elders are a very special group in society,” says the scientist, David Suzuki. “We’ve got something no other group in society has. We have lived an entire life. We have made mistakes. We have celebrated successes. Suffered under failures. We’ve learned a hell of a lot in a lifetime. Now we’ve got something to troll through and look for those nuggets of information to pass on to the coming generation” (Moorhouse, 2020).

In the non-traditional cultures of the West, young adults are more valued than older adults. The long-established Protestant work ethic compares youth with their ability to work to the elderly’s ability which diminishes in old age (Weintrob 2022). Our geriatric population is therefore separated from the acquaintances cultivated through their work-life creating a void for connection. As one’s health deteriorates, they are often placed into retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes, to be cared for by strangers. This situation further separates them from family and lifelong friends, severing even more integral relationships (Martinez-Carter, 2015).

The global trend in our aging population predicts a huge increase in the older adult population with a projection of people aged 65 years or older worldwide to be 1.6 billion in 2050, up from the 761 million in 2021, driven mainly by people taking better care of their health and living longer (United Nations, n.d., para. 1, 3).

When an aging society is judged by its abilities instead of the contributions they’ve made and their vast knowledge, we risk isolating them, robbing them of the respect they deserve. “We should embrace an older generation, build on their strengths, and continue to develop our world to be more understanding and inclusive” (Weintrob, 2022).

References

International Days. (2023). World Senior Citizens Day. https://www.internationaldays.co/event?recordId=rec7sSffl92o3b7Hw

Pam Moorhouse. (February 23, 2020). “The Cultures where Elders are Revered”. Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cultures-where-elders-revered-pam-moorhouse/

Karina Martinez-Carter. (2015). “How the elderly are treated around the world”. The Week.   https://theweek.com/articles/462230/how-elderly-are-treated-around-world

United Nations. (n.d.). “World Social Report 2023: Leaving No One Behind in an Ageing World”. https://www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/01/WSR_2023_Chapter_Key_Messages.pdf

Grace Weintrob. (January 28, 2022). “Aging around the world”. Colorado State University. https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2022/01/28/aging-around-the-world/#:~:text=Western%20cultures%20have%20traditionally%20been,pedestal%20of%20wisdom%20and%20respect

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Written by Abhinav Sharma,  ESPC volunteer

Introduction

National Non-Profit Day is celebrated on August 17. This day is designated to honour the tremendous work that non-profit organizations do to improve lives locally and globally (National Day Calendar, 2024). The impact of non-profits who aid the most vulnerable cannot be overemphasized. A not-for-profit organization is an association or corporation committed to operating “exclusively for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure, recreation, or any other purpose except profit” (National Day Calendar, 2024). Some examples of non-profits include, churches or church associations, schools, volunteer services organizations, medical providers, research institutes, etc. (Canadian Non-Profit Incorporation, 2024).

Profile and Impact

Non-profits touch on issues in the social, health, community development and advocacy sector which are known to have gaps in services. In 2022, the total economic activity contributed by non-profit entities in Canada was $216.5 billion, or 8.2% of the GDP (Statistics Canada, 2024).

Sports and recreation accounted for the greatest percentage of non-profit organizations in 2023 (33.3%), followed by religious organizations (19.8%), grant-making, fundraising and promotion (8.8%), and social services (8.5%). The lowest percentage of organizations were involved in health (1.0%) and environmental activities (0.4%) (Statistics Canada, 2024).

Issues and challenges

Financial viability remains to be a key concern for non-profits to thrive. Maintaining consistent funding can be challenging, especially when faced with economic downturns that can impact donations and grants (Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, 2023). By being transparent about how funds are being utilized and demonstrating accountability in financial management, organizations can better ensure their long-term sustainability and success (Ortega-Rodríguez et al., 2020).

According to recent surveys, non-profit organizations are facing increased demand for their services and more complex community needs, all while trying to make ends meet in the present economic environment with limited resources.  One wonders how the sector will manage going forward given the ongoing disparity between the capacity of organizations and the demand for services and programs (Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, 2023).

Numerous organizations in the non-profit sector have been compelled by the pandemic to reconsider their approaches to their operations and service delivery. A digital transformation can significantly improve the non-profit’s capacity to serve by boosting output, reaching a larger clientele, and fostering transparency and trust. In addition, data insights that support strategic decisions like the deployment of personnel and resources in the event of a natural or man-made disaster, the automation of tedious tasks that save expensive human errors, and increased productivity and collaboration can all be facilitated by digital transformation (Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, 2023).

The Way Forward for Alberta’s Non-Profit Sector

Recently Alberta’s non-profit sector has identified priorities crucial for stabilizing and strengthening the sector moving forward. These priorities include providing appropriate funding to address the impacts of the pandemic, inflation, and historic under-resourcing. A workforce strategy is also necessary to stabilize the non-profit workforce through addressing recruitment and retention concerns. Collaborating on data collection is essential to ensure that government and non-profits can make more informed decisions. Additionally, creating a dedicated space in government to share challenges, successes, and opportunities will strengthen partnerships between the not-for-profit sector and the Government of Alberta (Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations, 2023).

How can you get involved?

-Find an issue: – Consider what social, environmental, or humanitarian issues resonate with you. Learn about various issues to understand the challenges and needs. Look for organizations working on the issue you care about, both locally and globally.

– Volunteer: -You can volunteer at your local non-profit organizations to give back to your community. By reaching out to these organizations, you can inquire about various volunteer opportunities that may be available. This can involve tasks such as administrative work, event planning, fundraising, or even direct service roles.

-Donate: – Donating to the not-for-profit sector is a powerful way to support causes you care about. The various ways you can donate include monetary donations, in-kind donations, sponsoring events/programs and peer or crowd-based fundraising.

-Support is available: -There are organizations that help non-profits fulfill their objectives and develop their capability. Organizations like Integral Org provide instruction and assistance in fundamental domains such as financial management, governance, and strategic planning that can help you and your non-profit work more effectively and accomplish more.

REFERENCES

1. National Day Calendar. (2024).” National-Nonprofit-day-august-17”. https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-nonprofit-day-august-17

2. Government of Canada. (2016). “What is the difference between a registered charity and a non-profit organization?”. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/charities-giving/giving-charity-information-donors/about-registered-charities/what-difference-between-a-registered-charity-a-non-profit-organization.html

3. Canadian Non-Profit Incorporation. (2024).” Frequently Asked Questions”. https://www.corporationcentre.ca/docen/home/faq.asp?id=incnp

4. Statistics Canada.(2024).”The Daily — National Insights into Non-profit Organizations, Canadian Survey on Business Conditions, 2023”. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240320/dq240320a-eng.htm

5. Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations.(2023). ”​​Alberta’s Nonprofit Sector: Too Essential to Fail”. https://www.calgarycvo.org/too-essential-to-fail

6. Ortega-Rodríguez, C., Licerán-Gutiérrez, A., & Moreno-Albarracín, A. L. .(2020). Transparency as a Key Element in Accountability in Non-Profit Organizations: A Systematic Literature Review. Sustainability, 12(14), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145834

7. Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations. (2023). “Alberta nonprofits reveal sector’s top five priorities ahead of 2023 provincial election”. https://www.calgarycvo.org/ccvo-blog-news/platform-priorities-launch

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Written by Susanne Urbina,  ESPC Capacity Support Assistant

Our First Nations, Inuit and Métis people across Canada are recognized and celebrated for their history, heritage, resilience and diversity every June. Another opportunity to commemorate our country’s Indigenous community as well as all other Indigenous peoples around the globe, is on August 9^th, which is the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

In 1982 , the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, held their first meeting in Geneva. This day was later adopted in 1994 by the UN General Assembly to celebrate projects, activities, and knowledge of the world’s Indigenous Peoples (UNESCO, n.d. para. 1) and to promote and protect their rights.

“Indigenous peoples have in common a historical continuity with a given region prior to colonization and a strong link to their lands. They maintain, at least in part, distinct social, economic and political systems. They have distinct languages, cultures, beliefs and knowledge systems.” They are committed to maintaining and developing their distinctiveness and unique communities (United Nations, n.d. para. 3).

The global Indigenous community of 476 million makes up 6.2% of the world’s population, occupies 22% of the world’s land area, and represents 80% of the world’s biodiversity. Indigenous Peoples in Latin America represent 8% of the 5,000 different cultures while over 75% live in China, South and Southeast Aisa (Amnesty International, n.d. para.1, World Bank Group, n.d. para. 2).

Estimated Distribution of Indigenous Peoples. Source: Indigenous Peoples, Poverty and Development, 2014

The 7,000 languages spoken by Indigenous people worldwide represent 90 countries but unfortunately, some estimates indicate that more than half of the world’s languages are at risk of becoming extinct by the year 2100 (Amnesty International, n.d. para. 1, World Bank Group, n.d. para. 1). On average, a language disappears every two weeks, stripping the cultural and intellectual heritage of communities. Hence,  revitalizing, conserving, and promoting all languages (UNESCO, 2024, para. 2).

These different cultures are honored on days of recognition, but the world’s Indigenous Peoples are still confronted with marginalization, discrimination, and violence. Due to the continued effects of colonialism and present systemic barriers, around 19% of this diverse population account for the world’s extreme poverty. As a result of these circumstances that lead to malnutrition and lack of health care resources, life expectancy is reduced by around 20 years compared to non-Indigenous Peoples around the world (World Bank Group, n.d. para. 2). Other factors that also contribute to a shorter life expectancy for Indigenous people are that they are the most imprisoned demographic group, they experience more issues with literacy, and they face higher unemployment rates (AMNESTY International, n.d. para. 3,4).

As a result of many Indigenous reserve lands being in remote or inaccessible places, Indigenous people who live there may be more susceptible to pandemics and epidemics. When these societies are affected, they’re often excluded from the treatments available. The elderly and those with underlying conditions are more affected when they’re sick and risk dying. An untimely death of an Elder, the knowledge keeper, risks a loss of knowledge, language and identity of a culture (World Bank Group, 2020. para. 3,4). Heightened susceptibility to climate change, restricted access to education and other related socioeconomics also contribute to ill-health (Hall, G., Gandolfo, A., 2016).

Insecure land and property rights have and still play a big part affecting custody of ancestral lands world-wide which have been exploited. This results in displacement, homelessness and a disruption to their culture, often without their community’s knowledge or consent, or with very few represented in these processes (United Nations, n.d. para 8). Indigenous people are working to prevent the destruction of their own land and all of mother-earth. “It’s a kind of incredible irony that all over the world the leading forces in trying to prevent a race to (ecological) disaster are the Indigenous communities.” (Stiftl, C., 2016)

In Journey into Biodiversity, Maria Tosa Cardenas shares “the only way to achieve sustainable development is by achieving a balance with nature”, emphasizing the importance of establishing Biosphere Reserves to “help us understand changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, providing local solutions to global challenges.” (UNESCO, 2024)

The threats to Indigenous peoples’ cultures and lands, to their status and other legal rights haven’t been the same throughout history. Some Indigenous communities around the world have been successful in being acknowledged, but most of the world’s Indigenous Peoples are still actively seeking recognition of their identities and ways of life (Province of Manitoba, n.d., para. 7).

To recognize August 9^th, International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is to support and celebrate identities and culture. In this way, we may be able to preserve other world languages, customs, and increase our understanding of other worldviews.

References

UNESCO (n.d.) International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples https://www.unesco.org/en/international-day-worlds-indigenous-peoples

United Nations (n.d.) Indigenous Peoples, Common Historical Continuity https://www.un.org/en/fight-racism/vulnerable-groups/indigenous-peoples

Amnesty International (n.d.) Indigenous Peoples Rights  https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/indigenous-peoples/#:~:text=There%20are%20more%20than%205%2C000,speak%20more%20than%204%2C000%20languages.

World Bank Group (n.d.). Indigenous Peoples https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/indigenouspeoples

UNESCO (March 5, 2024). Multilingual education, the bet to preserve indigenous languages and justice. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/multilingual-education-bet-preserve-indigenous-languages-and-justice?hub=66750

World Bank Group (August 7, 2020) Everyone Equal: The Resilience of Indigenous Peoples Across the Globe. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2020/08/07/everyone-equal-the-resilience-of-indigenous-peoples-across-the-globe

Gillette Hall, Ariel Gandolfo, August 09, 2016, Poverty and Exclusion Among Indigenous Peoples, Voice  https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/poverty-and-exclusion-among-indigenous-peoples-global-evidence

United Nations. (n.d.) Indigenous Peoples-the challenges they face. https://www.un.org/en/fight-racism/vulnerable-groups/indigenous-peoples

Cassie Stiftl, August 09, 2016, Support Indigenous Resilience on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Pachamam Alliance https://news.pachamama.org/news/support-indigenous-resilience-on-international-day-of-the-worlds-indigenous-peoples?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Dynamic+Campaign&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_tgt=dsa-19959388920&hsa_grp=154399889707&hsa_src=g&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_mt=&hsa_ver=3&hsa_ad=666281953619&hsa_acc=3809916187&hsa_kw=&hsa_cam=20377498982&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5Ky1BhAgEiwA5jGujgvRHTHoRzhbMqYBTX_XE4npJbW0X8ky0G_xPpCctGhCoMggA68mbBoC9LsQAvD_BwE

UNESCO, Martha Ruiz Corzo “Pati”. (February 13, 2024). Journey into Biodiversity: Discover Pati’s story on the UNESCO Green Citizens podcast. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/journey-biodiversity-discover-patis-story-unesco-green-citizens-podcast?hub=66750

Province of Manitoba. (n.d.). Indigenous Peoples of the World. https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/socstud/foundation_gr8/blms/8-5-2b.pdf

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