Overdose in progress - what the fight against fentanyl looks like on the streets

[@CBCNews]

Have you been affected by the opioid crisis in Ontario? We want to hear from you. Tell us your story in an email to [e-mail].

[@jacquelinemarie583]

This is an national emergency! We are loosing generations. This government has to look at The Mental Health Act and use it. If a person is a threat to their self, they can be formed and put in a mental health unit. From there they should be mandated to a GOVERNMENT rehab centre for a year. This does not conflict with The Charter of Rights And Freedom. The Mental Health Act overrides this. We have empty government facilities that could turned into rehab centres. Canadian government take care of your people. These people are mentally ill and I would bet that what brought them to drugs was mental illness. Example: our population suffers from a huge anxiety disorder. Canadian government..You can do better for your people. My rant for the day

[@danzig159]

Yeah, the healthcare system supplied my cousin with the opioids that killed her in Lindsay, Ontario. They should be prosecuted.

[@juliencooper177]

Here is a point. I lost a couple of friends to prescription drug use supplied by medical people. And I rode as a passenger almost daily for maybe a month in city traffic with a driver who was on prescription opioid drugs without knowing that until she told me.

[@ashsuri1289]

I was stabbed by one in toronto i got the scar for it. And the Jukie went to jail for 4 months.

[@juliencooper177]

@@ashsuri1289 Bad behaviour is why public intoxication on alcohol isn't tolerated, because things not acceptable including attacks on public can happen. How is it that public intoxication on drugs is tolerated and even allowed into some public buildings or government run public buildings while supporting these people or giving "harm reduction" to them(?) I'm guessing someone with too much alcohol can claim it or some of it is drugs and presto, no charges unless actually tested for drugs and found to be publicly intoxicated on alcohol instead.

[@OlenaBz]

This paramedic lady - what an amazing human being helping those in need with such dedication!

[@alexnadon6999]

@@MidNightClub2000why does that matter

[@Alsatiagent-zu1rx]

@@MidNightClub2000 The paramedics in small town Ontario being mostly whites should stir neither hostility nor pride. You've made a meaningless observation.

[@juniperabbott2614]

@@MidNightClub2000 it happens to all, others may not feel comfortable being on camera. for various reasons.

[@freedomfury]

@@MidNightClub2000you have no soul or heart if that is the only thing you notice in this very sad and soul reaping video!

[@freedomfury]

May God bless her ☦️🙏❤️

[@cherylgillespie1593]

This paramedic is an angel.

[@downloader270]

as a addict trying to recover i really love her honesty

[@sm3296]

Lori, if only there was more of you, what a beautiful soul to care like she does.

[@michellelee785]

❤❤❤

[@pedro6248]

@@sm3296 Angels exist!

[@littlecatfeet9064]

Respect to the journalist for asking questions in a respectful manner and not giving into sensationalism. He treated his interviewees like humans, as they should be treated.

[@Grahamt978]

Jerry opening up his business to be ground zero is a huge gift to this community, a safe place we’re there’s no place for judgement. Thank you Jerry💕

[@kericaswell6084]

Lori, on behalf of a recovered addict, thank you so much for caring. You are truly a beautiful soul and an absolute blessing.

[@lexi6736]

Every City needs this program!!!!

[@sheilaannramirez8674]

Absolutely 100% I feel the same way

[@danadyd59]

No city needs this. Addicts are addicts by choice.

[@CherylLindeman-o2d]

Especially in the USA

[@markamd1]

Thank you CBC for allowing us to comment. But I would like to say, thank you for sharing this. Truly heartbreaking and it's amazing that we have good people that care working in the force. Stay safe everyone!

[@truthsyrup5764]

I don't thank CBC at all for the mild reprieve in their censorship. They should always be open and transparent to the taxpayer that foots their bill. I won't laud them for the crumbs they throw us. There are comments I can't even make on this very video. They keep hiding them.

[@minoif5929]

I don't thank them. They should always have this level of transparency. They shouldn't exist, to tell the truth of the matter.

[@truthsyrup5764]

Comment where? They keep deleting my comments.

[@billsongrapes2641]

@@MidNightClub2000 Anyone with derogatory things to say about the CBC have their comments removed. Nice level of transparency for an arm of the government I pay money for.

[@freedomfury]

Honestly they should always allow comments that way everyone can better gauge sentiment for stuff and share ideas. I think ever person who loves Canada has had enough, tide is shifting!

[@D.T.A1]

LORI ,The paramedic woman, is an ANGEL 😇.. GOD BLESS

[@TheAlexdx7]

This lady is a saint, and should be recognized for her actions.

[@gostarsgo1980]

It's her job. She gets a paycheck for her actions

[@pinlight97]

@@gostarsgo1980you don’t get it…at all.

[@heatherhowellstaff4392]

There is a difference between a job and doing your job with heart. It's like the difference between a waiter at a restaurant just giving you food vs the waiter that goes the extra and makes your time in the restaurant to be memorable. Waiters can get monetary tips for this, but this lady gets the psychological reward​@@gostarsgo1980

[@gostarsgo1980]

​@@pinlight97 Or I live in reality. She wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't her job.

[@michelleglowala2360]

@@gostarsgo1980 RN of 41 yr. Not enough for the phyical and mental pull on an individual. Why dont you try it. You would not do it for one hour

[@JenniferPartridge-f8w]

Good bless you all for putting a face on this tragedy and despair. My son was on fentynol and on the street dying for several years. He is now working full time, paying his way in life and supporting his children. He is so grateful and we ate too He is much loved. So many people helped him by providing support.He has bipolar. He had to get to the end to move forward. Thewere there for him. We prayed and waited and did what we could until he reached out for help. He had the courage to try to change and support when he was trying Little by little, when he was off the stuff he got weller .God bless the addicts and the people who try to hepl them every day and night ❤️🙏🌿

[@peforster6725]

I'm so glad your son was able to get himself on a positive path. We must all remember how any one of us could be in that situation. Here's to one day at a time & continued sobriety.

[@kimgraham9671]

That is fantastic! Bravo to you for being supportive and your son surviving and pursuing a better life. Respect

[@margaretbunn1543]

I’m so happy after reading your story to hear your son is doing better. I’m also a mom and so I would imagine that you are sleeping better at night and living with less anxiety. Best of luck to all in your family.

[@Ann-eb8fo]

Hugs ,I'm so glad he accepted care and is thriving. What a relief for both of you.

[@CharlotteD-sh1co]

Amen ❤❤

[@mercifulmermaidtarot2630]

If you are a first responder reading this, Thank You for caring for your communities, for facing pain, horror and sometimes v!olence, in order to help your fellow human beings. ❤

[@LollyB1963]

I thank you Lori for your dedication and hard work. I had three of my 7 brothers passed away from addiction one was my twin. You and I have the same first name. I have been thru the co dependency program and know first hand the struggles of addiction and see a lot of it in my life and in my city.I pray they all can get the help they need so badly.

[@juniperabbott2614]

I'm sorry for the loss of your brothers. ❤

[@LollyB1963]

@@juniperabbott2614 thank you

[@StrangePilgrim1]

Laurie/Lori is a hero. These stories are heartbreaking. Thank you for covering this crisis.

[@WaismannMethod]

I’ve been working with opioid-dependent patients for nearly 30 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. The number of people describing the friends and family members they’ve lost is staggering. It’s become heartbreakingly common for them to share these stories, almost as if it’s the new normal. The influx of fentanyl is decimating an entire generation, and it feels like nothing substantial is being done to stop it. This is a massacre on a massive scale, and our citizens are suffering immensely. We need urgent action to address this crisis and save lives.

[@maryem8512]

well said ✌🏼

[@susielifts]

If only my brother and my sister had this kind of out reach for them. They’d still be here. Bless you all.❤

[@juniperabbott2614]

I'm so sorry for your loss of your two siblings, Susie.

[@margaretbunn1543]

Your words were hard to read. I’m so sorry about your brother and sister losing their fight with drugs addiction. I hope you have found joy to fill the void. They would want you to be happy.

[@maryrankin9869]

All of these poor lads and lasses have family. No family escapes this. We have to keep up with courage and encouragement to support each other.

[@webwhisper2701]

why isn’t anyone inquiring how they got into the drug life? … accountability?

[@dianerobertson4894]

​@@webwhisper2701 they do it themselves, knowing the ravages drugs take on their bodies. I have no sympathy for addicts. They do it deliberately.

[@cafedulce6545]

Bless that paramedic you can see she really cares about these humans being

[@flippgoofman1868]

Wow, CBC actually welcoming comments.

[@lulsauce]

well trudeau isnt in it so

[@Pancho-villa666]

@@lulsauce yes and he is responsible for making this mess.

[@AG-re5vw]

Plus, it's probably costing Canada money to have this comment section censored.

[@garyinmarz8938]

@@Pancho-villa666😂 😢😢😢 is it Trudeau’s fault that the world is round and not flat 😂

[@juelz4444]

I pray everyday for people struggling. I struggled with addiction for a few years... not my proudest moments

[@Ann-eb8fo]

I genuinely pray for your continued healing. I'm sure its hard.I hope you recognize how strong you are to be able to do that.

[@kellytaylor-z6m]

Hi, Juelz! Hope all is well with you. Sending you EXTRA DIVINE LOVE and LIGHT today from Dallas. ❣️🙏❤️

[@cuunthaandlethis]

Don't. Do. Drugs. Please

[@KrisCorby-iv8dg]

Wow! Why didn't anyone else think of that?!!!..😆

[@sonjaanderson6933]

Drugs do not look or call people, people call and look for the drugs.

[@cuunthaandlethis]

@@sonjaanderson6933 well said

[@murielleleblanc1337]

@@KrisCorby-iv8dga fact

[@murielleleblanc1337]

@Mydogpenny1970 even if they are dying they will still use then comes a day they hit bottom. I was one of them and today but for the grace of God I have not had to touch alcohol or drugs. One must want to get help it takes a lot of courage and humility.

[@TowManDave00]

I drove a tow truck for over 30 years and still listen to Police, Fire and Ambulance for the Niagara Region... Sadly I hear 10 to 20 OD's a day come over the Ambulance just in the St.Catharines and Niagara Falls area... I can only imagine what the numbers in Hamilton must look like... It is heartbreaking!

[@saltchuckwest]

Thanks for your service. Politicians are using 1st responders so they don't have to try to solve this. Putting people in jail or locked wards ect is unavoidable but very politically damaging. Open air psychiatric hospital/drug scene not allowed even in Europe.

[@peforster6725]

My sister works at Mississauga General. Mental health, homelessness is bad there. So many come into the hospital, to stay warm & to be off the streets at night. Many just ask for a sandwich from the ER fridge, that has food for patients in it. There's no where for many to go. I live in Windsor, & this Spring, my husband was in the hospital downtown for 3 days. When you go into the ER doors, you now have to go through a metal detector & bags/purses are searched. That Friday night was scary in the ER. It was shocking to see policec & security presence to deal with at least two patience that appeared to be under the influence of drugs. I fear it's only going to get worse.

[@christinescorner111]

As a dispatcher now it is so disturbing the numbers. I think the public knows it’s bad. But not as bad as it is

[@SomethingAboutBeautee]

I’m actually a nurse in Hamilton and I’ve lived here my entire life! It’s pretty frightening.

[@pamelamorrisonn]

That's lots..

[@peforster6725]

Thank you for making this documentary. Please see if you can show it 8n high schools throughout Ontario.

[@jameshenrie]

That is an amazing idea .... good education tool.

[@mimime5376]

Documentaries like this one needs to be shown in middle through high schools everywhere! 😔🙏🏼❤️🇺🇸

[@Troubledboy88]

Its not meant to be a slow suicide, the pull of opiates is so strong, even after detox, its like your brain no longer works properly for months, even years sometimes, things are all out of balance. Thats not the worst part, the depression is completely soul crushing

[@sherbournesubwaymess]

I speak from experience. If a junkie is talking, they are lying. It's a very hard lesson I learned. I'm fed up when junkies endlessly blab over their 'community' and how they would rather live in a tent with their 'friends', than access all the social services offered to them. Reality is: 'Community' (Tent city)/Friends = Place to party. Unless you change the people/environment you are hanging around with, you will never get out of your rut.

[@s66458---]

Some truth to this. A friend of mine landed up with another recovering addict, and that landed up with her relapsing a few times. She kept hanging back in her old circles.

[@screamoguy100]

If you overdose multiple times would that not be considered a suicide risk and should be admitted to a mental unit for at least 6 weeks, this would allow for detox and counselling to continue forward and get out of addiction.

[@k.elysium6819]

The part about lying isn't true. Many addicts don't lie about anything other than their own usage. As long as you don't ask "are you using?" they are honest. Why would they want to be a part of society when they are judged so harshly by everyone they meet? At least in their own communities they aren't judged. A lot of the physical attacks on them are done by non-using haters. Everyone should have the right to live separate from society if that's what they want. As long as they aren't robbing or harming others, and not all of them do, let them be, just as you would let an animal in the forest be. You have no ownership over strangers.

[@SedB101]

Preach!

[@thishappyhousewife9341]

Exactly! Thank you, so many people want to just coddle and enable. There is so much more help available and they still stay on the street. It's a choice, not all of them are addicted to drugs or have mental illness.

[@amorris0419]

Thank you for assisting people - I am grateful for you all 😊

[@SJ-zz1uj]

Lori if your reading this, your a truly good person and Pembroke is lucky to have you. You know how hard this work is on you emotionally. I know you know this - but take some time for yourself in all this. Be sure to get away from it sometimes and be as kind to yourself as you are to those people you help so much.

[@m.b5777]

How come I don't see drug addicts on the streets in Singapore? Because drug dealers get capital punishment.

[@patrickwilson2475]

It's a white issue

[@ThouSwell-zx3fd]

Amen!!

[@ellimae1548]

@@patrickwilson2475explain that comment?

[@greglewis1146]

Softly Softly approach doesn't work! Also the Junkie's dont help themselve's

[@stacii834429]

...​@@patrickwilson2475...NO, SIR... ITS A HUMAN ISSUE!!

[@beckbeverley3451]

Finally realising in order to change and support things have to change. Multifaceted approach will go a lot farther then traditional answers. Im hoping lori and responders protect their hearts. Please care for yourselves. Compassion fatigue is so hard im sending love and support

[@lorricannon189]

I was shocked to see how bad the drug crisis has gotten in Pembroke & I'm sure in Renfrew County & the surrounding areas. Fentanyl is bad enough & now we're seeing the animal tranquilizers being mixed in with the drugs too.The open sores sometimes right to they're bone & it can cost them their limbs or life. It's also another added problem for police, firefighters & EMS who respond to these calls. Crime rates go up.There are medications that will help them detox without the horrendous side effects & still give them their high until they are ready to slowly be whined off the meds but it can't be done while their living on the streets. It's now societies problem bc parents are out with they're children having to watch that their child doesn't pick up a needle or step on one. No parent wants to expose their children to that or the homeless camps & all that's discarded there. It's a health hazard that should be a priority yet our Government doesn't seem to want to put money where it's needed. Schools need to start educating children about drugs starting in grade 6 bc not all parents teach their children about the effects of every drug out there & what it will do to their bodies & life. I don't know how things got so bad where so many people including the 🇺🇸 turn to drugs @ this level. To me the internet with all the social media & it's content along with IPhones seemed like people stopped connecting or getting to know there neighbors or help the community their living in. Youth bought into all what's not real when it comes to seeing certain celebrities on the internet or certain music artists. I'm glad you did this video & the great people like Lori & others trying to help & make a difference. We need more love, understanding, compassion & tolerance bc it seems like the world is a mess & we needs it! ❤Ontario, 🇨🇦 🐾

[@kimgraham9671]

The pharmaceutical company's should be building rehabs, looking into something that will help addiction instead of just putting them on methadone etc. They caused this big mess pushing oxycontins on People for everything , cramps, headaches saying it's safe when they knew better ,then government cutting them all off at once, what did they think would happen. They need to make amends for this fiasco driven by greed

[@jameshenrie]

@@lorricannon189 it is really bad ... we have seen an increase of tent encampments, people sleeping stand up and other things. All levels of government are to blame for this.

[@jameshenrie]

@@kimgraham9671 Methadone clinics are joke ... unless you live outside of town and not associate with those people with this addiction or strong family support or both. IT FAILS IN MOST OR ALL CASES.

[@lorricannon189]

@@jameshenrieHi, as I stated I didn't realize it hit these County's & Cities as much as it has. I spent a great deal of my childhood, teens & young adult life visiting relatives in most of the places shown & summers in one not mentioned until I graduated highschool. I wondered why my brother when I went to visit him 4 years ago up that way he told me don't be so friendly & saying hi to everyone passing by its changed. He said we have a lot of transients as I hadn't been there in well over a decade. What a lot of people don't realize is some Pharmacy Owners here in my City we're selling fentanyl & other opioids out there back door. I only know of 1 Owner who had 2 large busy Pharmacies we're finally caught but the damage was done. One busy pharmacy that I used I didn't understand @ the time why did Ownership change hands so often! I realized years later those Owners we're probably doing the same thing & getting rich & then selling it to the next person. I don't think our Government realized or put 2 & 2 together maybe bc they we're looking in the wrong direction. ! I worked in a hospital & have had many major surgeries & never was I prescribed those strong opioids. If you dealt with severe chronic pain you'd be sent to a Pain specialist that has a degree as an Anesthesiologist. Now I don't know how they're going to clean this mess & help those who are deep into they're addiction it's so sad. 😔 Sorry for the rant! Take Care! Ontario, 🇨🇦 🐾

[@JA-mq9ti]

We have so many issues in Canada, healthcare crisis, overdose crisis, housing crisis, crime crisis etc, but priorities are not straight. This video is a great example of something that should be prioritized, but here is another example, City of Toronto wants to use resources to rename Yonge & Dundas. However shootings/carjackings continue to surge, traffic/congestion is a serious issue, and people are seriously struggling with the cost of living, all efforts must be placed to curb the violence and poverty, renaming streets should be last on the list...

[@CSIS-Spy]

Since Trudeau is was in power the country turned upside down and major increase in random violent attacks. It was never like this before Trudeau

[@PristineReviews]

you forgot the biggest issue LOL

[@JA-mq9ti]

@@PristineReviews Fentanyl crisis??

[@youstew99]

almost entirely due to unsustainable immigration rates. It's going to get way way way worse...like WAY WORSE!

[@irvingzeistman9828]

Mass immigration

[@jeanniep8816]

Thank you all for sharing realties & difficulties. Thank you to all the interventionists for all that you do. Your empathy is admirable & your supportive & humanistic approach vital. Blessings & strength to all🙏

[@NeilScottMac]

Lori is a hero. What an amazing human

[@kimgraham9671]

I agree

[@vikkiwilson8959]

I'm watching from the UK. This is absolutely heartbreaking. God bless you for helping without judgement. Xxx

[@Mychelleisonfire]

Ontario NEEDS more supportive housing, now. I live in Kingston and we have so little in the way of low income housing, supportive housing, or accessible mental health/addiction services. I’m happy to see what this town is doing, but so so sad about what the opioid crisis has become and how bad our cost of living is.

[@lindaamey3966]

Horrible. True words 💕💕🇨🇦🇨🇦💜

[@sweetscent5010]

What an angel is that paramedic lady 👏you can tell she has a heart of gold and she is truly caring and compassionate. Even though, she is tired and overwhelmed, and with the heavy workload, she still doesn’t give up 🙏💕

[@PickemMMA]

I pray for anyone who’s out there struggling with this disease that you get better and heal yourself. I myself was in this from 15 to 21 and I got tired of living like that. Thank god for giving me my life back, being sober feels so much better. Going through everyday thinking about the physical withdrawal is exhausting day after day

[@clariceb28]

Bless these people. The dedication and the passion to help is so great it's so amazing.

[@francesfriese6780]

What an amazing generous woman! So sad. So scary It’s everywhere

[@margauxnodvin7478]

We need this in the U.S. Every state, every country. The work these paramedics and officers are doing is SO important!!!

[@matterhaz2980]

Great work cbc this is some channel 4 BBC coverage. Amazing work bringing the reality of this to light on the streets. This was some awesome raw video people needed to see. If you don't know what's happening you don't know.

[@salmanalibhai9148]

We need more people like the paramedic in this clip. She's caring and compassionate

[@robertofala6624]

What a great person LORI is....All heart...Need more people in this world like her.

[@judes1948]

Lori is an angel, but the stress and weight of people’s bad choices has to way her spirit down considerably. There seems to be no end. HER mental health is just as important as the people she tries to help. I wish her all the strength she needs to survive her calling. She is a very special woman. 🥰🥰🥰

[@martinemjt]

to those fighting addiction, don t give up. choose life!

[@stefs7141]

56 years old, what Job is she gonna do in this crumbling society? What skills? They're better off dying out there for their sake. People who are educated withought monkeys on their back can barely feed themselves.

[@brendanjohanson5958]

Appreciate your guys hard work you are a very special human being thank you

[@joolzmac1]

Oh Kerry, you’re 56 and look 76. Tragic, I hope you can get help.

[@jennaferharbridge1581]

Yupppp that's my mother disgusting right

[@thevintagepoet]

That lady is such an amazing police officer she does such a good job

[@joannewynn4431]

She’s an advanced care paramedic not a police officer

[@CritCommanda]

We used to care about each other, then the few decided their real estate profits (knowingly unsustainable) was more important than Canada's wellbeing. Being homeless opens the door to a variety of coping methods for despair, escapism, trying to sleep and ignoring starvation. It will take electing a leader who cares about the plight of Canadians, not a career politician who shrugs his shoulders and deflects at the first sign of adversity.

[@truthsyrup5764]

I hope people in real estate make more money by the government garnishing welfare checks to pay rent instead of it going towards fentanyl. Working in homeless shelters I've seen all too many instances where someone's government cheque is funding their addiction, and they end up homeless because their rent is not paid.

[@susanaschwab5552]

It takes A LOT OF MONEY wasted on people who really do not care

[@deef6560]

🎯🎯

[@Braisin-Raisin]

That is a very cruel comment. What if one of your children was an addict? Would you have the same attitude?

[@susanaschwab5552]

Yes its were i stand about drug addiction​@@Braisin-Raisin

[@dianerobertson4894]

​@@Braisin-Raisin I have no sympathy for drug addicts. It was their choice.

[@dianerobertson4894]

​@@Braisin-Raisin millions of addicts. Over 60 years people have boohooed about the drug problem, that I'm aware of. Has it gotten any better? No, not a bit. When they OD, let them go and get out of their misery. We don't need addicts.

[@rico_cavalierie]

I had a heart attack. It felt like a Cadillac SUV was parked on my chest. Other than that I was also feeling like I was dying. The person next to me was on a gurney as well, overdosed on something. When they wheeled that person off to be treated someone said that person was in more need. That said, after I was treated the Doctor said I had the "Widowmaker" (Anterior descending) coronary artery 96% blocked and it could have gone either way. To the point, People who have life-threatening injuries are having to wait because the Emergency Rooms are clogged with overdoses. While I don't think for a second that my life is more valuable than yours it pisses me off that someone who is throwing their life away still gets treated before another person with a life-threatening emergency.

[@truthsyrup5764]

I never asked for public health care, but it was here when I got here. I would much rather pay out of pocket and have free market, competing clinics, which I could peruse reviews on and choose accordingly. So I can be rewarded for my choice to eat healthy and exercise regularly.

[@kayluley3209]

well said....this is what i keep saying over and over again.....we as 'normal taxpaying citizens' are the great losers in this grand scheme of things.....drug use is a selfish crime and others have to pay the price for their egoism.....meanwhile crime soars no one is safe and the cities look like trash cans

[@WarriorGramma]

@@kayluley3209 you must not have a family member living in that high risk environment or you would know “throwing their life away” isn’t something you wake up one morning and decide is a good lifestyle choice. And trust me, it can happen to you or a loved one of yours any day. This could be your brother, son, mother, daughter.

[@CuervoLuna]

As if your dietary and lifestyle choices didn't contribute to your medical emergency?!! You've just been throwing your life away more slowly and with more frequent bad choices. I wonder how somebody who was the victim of a car accident would feel being next to you in the hospital, where you were given priority for your 'throwing your life away' one burger at a time, while all they did was drive home from work. Widowmakers don't just happen, you did that to yourself too

[@piperlynne1]

Our health care system is overwhelmed by all these overdoes. It's time to cut out the drug dealers and have mandatory rehab for people who overdose or are doing crimes to support their addiction. Mental health issues should be treated and housed in supportive housing. Our government has cheaped out on us and closed all the supports for people in need. Time to add some tax dollars back to supporting these people in need.

[@Hadlyownz]

You can't force people into rehab you weirdo

[@kristazingel6630]

Thank you for saying this.

[@mattpark3135]

Mandatory rehab is unconstitutional in these circumstances in Canada. This is what makes a "Portugal model" difficult to implement here. Legalization & regulation is the ideal means, then you can force users to take warnings/service information and ensure the drug supply is clean.

[@eddietat95]

@@mattpark3135 Making rehab "mandatory" *and* constitutional is already being done, albeit at a very limited scope through provincial Mental Health Acts where the physician makes the call - the addict has to be a danger to themselves or others or they have to be at a "deteriorating condition". Here, rehab hold is enforced by law, however, MHA can only hold someone for up to 72 hours and that is not enough time to do the whole 12 step thing. Expanding it to, say, 30 days (the standard for most rehab clinic programs) would make an enormous difference. You can twist the language or interpretation of the Constitution, like Parliament does every other day, to allow for the 30 days or you can sign an Order-in-Council which basically lets you do whatever you want regardless of the Constitution. OICs are the nuclear option, but the incumbent PM has already used it dozens of times, many of them in secret.

[@piperlynne1]

@@mattpark3135 Yes it is and we all pay the price for people not getting the help they need. If their addictions lead to crime then jail and rehab in jail if they accept it. Sad there are so many broken people out there and drug dealers get wealthy selling dangerous drugs.

[@FreeJulianAssange23]

A girl I know overdosed and was on life support, as her family was preparing to say goodbye she woke up, signed herself out of the hospital and went to go and get high again.

[@KrisCorby-iv8dg]

What's your point?

[@AlexG-cd8yd]

Lmfao

[@NoSignalBs]

Legendary

[@SeaToSkyImages]

It's so sad. I've never seen a drug just completely wipe out a segment of the population like fentanyl has. I have a friend that has been trying to get clean since 2017. Every week I'd expect an email, phone call or DM telling me he's ODed and died. He's still alive, and clean right now, but he's sobriety is so fragile. I hope he can stay clean.

[@TheLitman72]

Good to see first responders knowing those in the community and building relationships. This was lost and needs to make a comeback. Keep up the good work.

[@jimknopf512]

Just watched your piece about the paramedic in Pembroke on CBC - thank you. Thank you for your excellent work on what fentanyl/homelessness is doing to our communities. More stories have to be told so the public can see the true cost of this unseen health catastrophe.

[@nattyophelia7879]

Lost my sister to fentanyl, she was my best friend I miss her so deeply. Breaks my whole heart to see others struggling, I wish I could help.

[@dawnysmitty]

So sorry for your loss,keep your head up

[@gg.6633]

Thank you for what you’re doing ❤

[@y.c.7378]

Huge, huge respect for all first responders, police, etc. Etc.

[@catherineedwards2546]

Thank you for all you are doing x

[@estycki]

I talked to a rookie paramedic a few years ago, and he'd tell me how someone would be saved from overdose, taken to the hospital... they wake up furious that their high and drug stash were taken away. They leave and go look for more. Paramedic was a hero but completely unappreciated. Maybe some people can choose to wear a badge that says "I don't want your help" But I can't help but wonder, the only way one would want help is if there is something to look forward to when getting sober... I can't say that the most sober of Canadians working hard to keep their heads above water are that much happier...

[@jessd4048]

This is a deeply ignorant comment. So much ignorance and such misplaced judgement.

[@nearcancelled]

@jessd4048 do you work in the field? That's how it is. The person who is revived from an over dose is angry that the person ruined their buzz and wasted the drug. Sorry. That's how it is.

[@jessd4048]

@@nearcancelled I’ve been personally and professionally in this field for over 40 years. Forgot more about this crisis than you will ever know.

[@derekpam7149]

So very true saw this in Calgary non stop. They are helped they get mad they go get more drugs and overdose again. Never ending cycle the paramedics are tired

[@jessd4048]

@@derekpam7149 a majority of paramedics in Calgary detest the street involved population which was a problem before fentanyl ever hit the streets. Everyone looking for someone to blame and never recognizing the part they play in creating & *exacerbating* this disaster.

[@melodyh.johnson7687]

I cried, these stories made me sad. I am glad Lori and her team helped them. God bless you

[@willisrael6412]

This God's work, it's gonna get worse

[@hyperfox805]

Doing anything is better then nothing. God bless those on the line trying to help these folks out. BZ.

[@sharonmcfaul2956]

Thank you for helping those in need♥️

[@resetpassword]

At 18:00 is that a bruise under her sleeve? I hope she's not going through anything. What an amazing lady. The way she talks resonates me a lot and her logic is very sound. And she's actively living in accordance with her morals/values. Very respectable.

[@bexactlyyy]

Well spotted that's an awfully big bruise

[@dougster221]

Just wanted to say that you folks did a fantastic job on this story..I’m a retired Paramedic and have seen this firsthand and it’s a very Hard Drug for people to get off of.And we need all the states resources to help beat this problem..

[@Angeegabs]

This is amazing reporting. Thank you ❤

[@matrescence_motherhood]

Most drug addicts are just dealing with severe trauma. As a nurse I can tell you if you heard these people’s stories you would understand why they struggle. They have been through hell alone.

[@WarriorGramma]

Deep and profound appreciation for those recognizing the people behind the substance crisis. No one wants to be addicted, no one wants to be homeless. Its a mental health crisis. Drugs used to self medicate the mental health issue are killing our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, moms and dads. These people aren’t partying, they are trying to survive. And as far as saying, get a job, would you hire any of the people in this video as they present right now? Win the addiction crisis, the number of homeless will decline. Don’t sit and judge. Use your voice to save a life. Don’t think it can’t happen to you or your family, it can!

[@marniejane88]

Completely agree

[@JaynePeters-g3n]

I request prayers for my sons, as a single mom, it is scarey, ,.

[@WarriorGramma]

@@JaynePeters-g3n I understand. Dreading that call. Your sons have prayers from me. Please add my daughter to your prayers. The most helpless I have ever felt as a mom. I am also a single parent like you.

[@WarriorGramma]

@@JaynePeters-g3n I hear you. It is very scary. And no one understands except another parent in the same situation. I am a single parent I have only one child and after a devastating loss, she began to self medicate the grief away. Comfortably numb I call it. I will never give up on her. Never stop praying. I will gladly pray for your boys as well. Stay strong and hopeful. Miracles happen every day.

[@mren5750]

What a fantastic program and crew.

[@AeiSedai1976]

What is the goal here? Back on their feet means what? Housing? Sobriety? Job? I really struggle to see any of these ppl holding down a f/t job to keep the housing. So - first thing that MUST happen and should have happened years ago is revamping social assistance welfare/ODSP. these programs are literally encouraging the spiral down. We NEED to ensure that ppl on welfare can pay rent - real rent based on actual rent costs - pay for food, medical care including mental, eye, and dental. Who will hire a person to work in a store without teeth or with teeth so rotten it causes intense pain and smells so bad they can't be approached. Everything else is throwing money away until welfare program undergoes a massive overhaul.

[@derekpam7149]

We can’t afford anymore money into this actually.

[@AeiSedai1976]

​@@derekpam7149into what

[@kateparks1665]

@derekpam7149 we either pay now or pay way more later. Preventative measures are always cheaper in the long run

[@Mrs.Currie]

​@kateparks1665 Raising and caring for children properly is the best preventative measure. Social programs will always be needed to some degree, but early trauma and hardship lead people down some dark roads.

[@kimgraham9671]

​@@Mrs.Currie yes, and back in my day , social workers never checked to see how kids were doing after their trauma ended. The offender gone well problem must be gone. Left to try and fix ourselves

[@maryem8512]

My daughter went into a toronto hospital begging for help; she was withdrawing from Fentanyl. She wanted to feel she was somewhere "safe" during the excruciating pain of withdrawal. She was turned away.

[@Day-ZDuke]

Unfortunately that’s just the way it has to be.... The system cannot just provide help for anyone / everyone who makes bad decisions and puts themselves in a position to suffer / be uncomfortable. The healthcare system would be completely taken advantage of and overwhelmed (moreso than it already is) if they allowed this It’s not apples to apples, but restaurants don’t just give away free food to people who spent their money on booze. Hotels don’t just give free rooms to people cause it’s cold outside and the person doesn’t have a coat Hopefully your daughter can get help from the proper resources (when / if available) and is able to overcome her struggles with addiction. Like she could attend an addiction treatment clinic & get stabilized on methadone, then at least she will not have to withdrawal at all. They still allow people to use drugs and slowly battle / wean their way off. But don’t require you to quit using, they will still provide methadone

[@Ms.K1177]

She's an Angel & her soldier's of healing are too 💝🙏🏽✨🌻💖

[@bambip6403]

We need more people in the world like that paramedic Lori...this was a great video,very informative.

[@carolinebjerkelund767]

These types of junkies live right near me. I don't care if they overdose. I have seen many overdoses myself, why do I have to go through trauma, because of their self harm? They show the turmoil that these junkies are experiencing, but they don't show the nightmare they bring to the people living in the communities. It is a living hell for people who don't do drugs.

[@CharlotteD-sh1co]

Would you feel the same way if it was your family member?

[@carolinebjerkelund767]

@@CharlotteD-sh1co Yes

[@CharlotteD-sh1co]

@@carolinebjerkelund767 What if it was you?

[@carolinebjerkelund767]

@@CharlotteD-sh1co I am not a junkie

[@CharlotteD-sh1co]

@@carolinebjerkelund767 I'm not either. What if you were?

[@sheilaannramirez8674]

This is amazing to see I wish this could be everywhere Especially when I was down and out looking for help To get off drugs I would have loved to have seen some people like this to help me out!!! Keep doing An amazing job!!!😊

[@michaelweibel9891]

I may lack of compassion which most people around me probably would not agree with but I have a hard time with this. I was on the ground with nothing when my family passed away and I had nowhere to go. I put my efforts into work and became successful. It is about live decisions I believe. They made a decision and have to carry the result of their actions.

[@chanceturcotte]

I saw someone in the area break free of fentanyl and other drugs for several years now, and he is back to sinking his time into working in the trades. It's a beautiful thing to see!

[@chanceturcotte]

Congrats on your recovery.

[@NemoElohemi]

You were born a winner. Not everybody was as lucky. I’m like you. We were born to fight and survive, but many people aren’t like us. I used to think like you, before seeing this kind of weakness in my own children. They’re just different from me and believe me, they would prefer to be like us if they could choose.

[@vanhawk1074]

Lori , the woman with a heart of gold

[@jotann6430]

My 24 yr old nephew was the LIGHT OF MY LIFE! He meant everything to me. He was into football. He was wanted by several colleges/Universities. However, one game, he was left with broken shoulder & collarbone. EXCRUCIATING PAIN🙏🏼 Family physician stopped his pain medication. He couldn’t handle the pain. He resorted to Fentanyl. FENTANYL! Fentanyl is what took his life. 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼 I lost my only child from ectopic pregnancy.

[@justinwood6407]

To add to the cop saying “to do nothing, what’s going to change?” “Doing the same thing and expecting different results is the definition of insanity”

[@galegrazutis964]

Complete waste of valuable resources!

[@jenniferwilcox9759]

@@galegrazutis964 His statement is still valid.

[@ChonCopperfield]

@@galegrazutis964what would be your solution to this?

[@margaretbunn1543]

They are not just doing and trying the same things. New ideas bring new methods and strategies. The cop is saying we have to keep trying or nothing will change. Your quote is just wrong. Every person or addict has different personalities and needs. There are many paths to success. We can not just give up. At any time in your life you may discover a family member or fiend may develop,a drug or alcohol addiction. I hope you will never there for them.

[@TwilightxCloud]

My friend has been battling addiction for 10 years or so now Thankfully she’s had somewhere to stay for the last few years but I don’t know how safe it is But I wish she had someone out there to try and get her clean I’m able to get a hold of her every now and then to let her know I love her and to catch up

[@mimime5376]

I think you’re more of a guardian angel than friend. Everyone needs a “friend” like you! 😊🙏🏼❤️

[@donnicholson3170]

We'd see better outcomes with mandatory residential rehabilitation centers than with this band-aid system we currently have. Isn't the outcome important? Right now the system is just chasing it's tail. Giving addicts drugs on the street is just cruelty.

[@judyguerrero2638]

It’s so scary blessings to this female officer human with ANGELS.❤

[@debbieblair3329]

It would be awesome if every city had this. So many people look down on addicts. It’s awful. These stories are heartbreaking

[@noahmontgomery9902]

This is my hometown, and i’ve slowly watched it decline over the years, if first started with the methadone clinic, and all the drug addicts were shipped off to our city, then we just had better accommodations for them so they kept flocking, now we’re just overwhelmed

[@freddexta3363]

Don't do drugs. Ever.

[@s66458---]

If you think it is that easy... nope. Tell you a story. Had a good girlfriend in uni who was a recovering addict. She was beaten at home and landed on the streets, that led her into prostitution and living on the streets. To deal with the day and day out of that life led her into drugs. Tell me you don't understand addiction without telling me you don't understand addiction.

[@gilliangirl1]

@@s66458--- She made a choice to take a drug at some point.

[@s66458---]

@@gilliangirl1 you need to do some research into drug addiction. Not much of a choice, have you ever been homeless, abused and a prostitute? Bet you haven't been any of those things. Want to help with addiction, provide housing. What you are suggesting is like saying people choose to be poor.

[@a.m.4467]

@@s66458--- your attitude makes me care less.

[@s66458---]

@@a.m.4467 you mean looking at actual research on the matter?

[@salmanalibhai9148]

Also, Omar and his team did an amazing job covering this news story.

[@mrhalane6393]

God bless these people😢😢😢😢😢

[@markamd1]

Amen brother!

[@truthsyrup5764]

Amen

[@bgd360]

Lori is an angel. God bless her.

[@owenwegner8503]

I was born and raised in pembroke drugs was always a problem in our town but it has got exponentially worse

[@lindaamey3966]

Praying for all. This lady that’s helping makes a bigggg difference god bless allllll💕🇨🇦🇨🇦☀️☀️☀️☀️

[@josecarlos11]

When are we going to force treatment??? For those that defend this madness, letting them try to help themselves is not helping them at all!!!

[@lizliz4186]

Data and previous efforts prove that forcing ppl into rehab doesn't work. Ppl like you might feel better but it doesn't work, you're only detaining ppl against their will.

[@josecarlos11]

@@lizliz4186 so what does work? We can’t just wait until they eventually overdose. That seems cruel if you ask me. There has to be something to help them get over this.

[@truthsyrup5764]

What sort of rehab? It's almost the uniform population of the homeless that have severe mental illness, that also wind up on these hard drugs. Their health outcomes would certainly be better if they were in long-term mental health facilities.

[@iunklulkbyuyg]

@@lizliz4186 A month long detox doesn't work but a two year stay in an institution would provide the time to learn to live without drugs. How many would decide to return to that life after so long? I know if my loved ones were in that situation, I would want that chance for them vs enabling. That would actually be helping.

[@7Moonbeam6]

@@truthsyrup5764 %110 ✊🏼🕶️

[@KingdomDumb]

Lori is an Angel!

[@a.r.b.421]

A complete and utter waste of taxes that are unlawfully taken from those who actually contribute to society. 🙄

[@superglucke7175]

That's a fascism thinking. Humanism starts with caring for people with deseases - and substance use disorder is a desease, which is in my opinion created by society.

[@maryrankin9869]

@@superglucke7175 Genetics, lifestyle and environment.

[@Popinjay-yo4iy]

DON'T call emergency services for a j""kie that's ODing. Let nature run it's course 👍💯

[@superglucke7175]

@@maryrankin9869 That's right for many deseases.

[@Braisin-Raisin]

You are wrong.

[@nicolerobertson7424]

Every small town & big city need a woman like her. What an amazing person. I don’t know her but Im so proud of her & thankful for this group helping these people.

[@gf3473]

Excellent program, which I'm not here to critique. Rather, I'm hoping to bring an additional approach into consideration. Finland, tackled their homelessness with a program called " Housing First". There is no requirement for treatment, sobriety, or detoxing, in order to qualify. The approach being, it's difficult to get clean, and maintain sobriety, without stable housing. The level of supports offered in the housing programs are the key components for their success. This often translates into the residents seeking treatment, when their living circumstances stabilized. There's a documentary on KZbin, with a ' how Finland solved homelessness ' or similar title. It's a well presented video, interviewing municipal, state & federal partners along with other community partners explaining how their able to maintain the priority on this program regardless of the political affiliation of persons in government. Around min. 19:20 someone comments on sobriety first, being the order of importance, when tackling intersecting challenges.

[@crampdstyl1]

You may want to look at which country has the highest rate of overdose deaths in the world for addicts under the age of 25. Finland's system isn't working like you dream it is. Finland population about 5.5 million people. Isolated country. Yet overdose deaths abound

[@jameshenrie]

(IMO) You know how they have student housing for college ... they need a building like that with bedrooms and small bathroom in each room with a common kitchen and entertainment or common room space... Most of the people are on government assistance already ... pay directly to the housing agency. Maybe have an office or space so government agencies, addiction counseling, social workers whoever that can meet with them to help them.

[@gf3473]

@@jameshenrie your idea, infact IS how the " Housing First" program seems to work. It's actually an American 'initiative' but never really took roots there. It's all supportive housing, with service components delivered by various community agencies, on location in residents buildings. The programs is progressive, starting with a private room. Then they move from shared accomodations in buildings with full supports - social work, home making skills workers, for cooking, cleaning, general home maintenance, personal care, medical, psychological supports. Groups, that all residents attend, re maintenance of the building. Eventually when a person has stabilized to function enough to work, each resident is expected to work in various jobs in the building. It's paid work, as it's real work, cleaning, lawn,garden maintenance and more. Some buildings offer additional supports, such as a building for musicians, with practice space, and encouragement, connections to performance opportunities etc. Their goal seems to be community building along with meeting those individual needs. The buildings are mixed rentals, so it's not all homeless people. Additionally, the buildings are located in residential neighborhoods as well, and when there is some push back from the established neighborhoods, towards these buildings, there was quite a lot of joint community building initiatives. Such as community picnics, meetings, fairs and other events put on by committees of both established neighbours and residents of these support buildings. From what I saw, most residents stayed for years in their apartments, once they reached the level of having their private units. Many spoke about slowly tapering themselves off drugs once they felt safety, security in their housing. Some reduced their use to a functional level, they were contributing members of society. There are some, who don't seem to be able to shake their addictions, but are still able to function in taking care of their daily needs with support workers. Even if they remained unemployable due to continued use. Most of those people had safer lives with their supports available in their building, or close by. They did use safe consumption facilities in the city, and drug testing kits to determine if fentanyl is present in whatever their using. None of these supports Ofcourse is a cure, and deaths still occur. Albeit quite a bit fewer per capital than in many countries worldwide.

[@gf3473]

@@crampdstyl1 Thank you for the opportunity to have a closer look at those deaths. I'd note, that I have no dreams about this program. I'm not invested in it personally or professionally. I first heard of it when it was 'invented' in America. Seems the Americans didn't utilize it much. Ive had a professional interest in addictions specifically, so I've had an interest in any program showing success with stabilizing addicts lives. Its been since the mid 90s I've been professionally involved, in one way or another, in addictions treatment & harm reduction initiatives. Lots has changed in the past 30yrs. But I digress.... Back to those deaths. This morning I went to a few sources, as we all know there's a lot of them out there. It seemed fitting to tart with EMCDDA. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Moved over to some popular sites, ourworld dot. org. And statistics dot com. I won't detail each sites specifics, as I'm sure if they interest you, you'll find the resources. I will mention the per million population figures for the " Number of Drug Induced Deaths in Europe in 2022" from the latter site. #1- Ireland @ 97/1 mil. pop. #2- Estonia @ 95 #3- Norway @ 86 and Finland is #4 @ 70 per 1 mil population. With a 5.5 mil population that makes approx. 385 drug induced deaths in 2022. I had no idea what the Americans numbers are, for drug induced deaths, as I'm not American so this was my opportunity todo a bit of reading. Apparently the American population is now approx. 333.3 mil. In 2022, in the USA, there were 107,941 drug induced deaths. Making that approx. 323.83 per mil. population. Seem the USA had 4 1/2 times more drug induced deaths in 2022 than Finland. Thanks for your input, this was eye opening.

[@rachelh4095]

We need more people like lori❤❤❤. Shes absolutely amazing.

[@junedolson1642]

I don't understand why people want to do drugs and be homeless. Some of the homeless near where I live have told me they choose to be homeless.

[@SonjaBAllthings]

Have to be honest. Lori is one of the most beautiful and empathetic individuals I've had the pleasure of seeing in this lifetime. I pray we find a way and finally break the cycle. Mesa is a wonderful way to reach people in the community.

[@KnuckNFutz]

If you're homeless because of work issues, that's one thing. To he homeless because you're an addict, don't feel bad for you. You put yourself in that position, stop pleading for understanding and sympathy if you put yourself there by your selfish choices.

[@missyoubeth]

You need to be tougher on those selling it.