Street Deaths are Preventable: week of education and action (June 16 -19 2015)
On June 16 – 19, join us for a week of education and action to end poverty-related deaths in BC.
Between 2006 and 2013, at least 281 people died on the streets in British Columbia. Due to under-reporting, that number is likely much much higher. Victoria has the highest number of street deaths per capita in BC. In a four month period, 30 people died on the streets of this city.
These deaths are preventable. Not only are there tangible causes, but viable solutions. We need adequate health services, social housing, and harm reduction services. We need all levels of government to commit to eliminating poverty and preventing street deaths. See below for event info – see you there!
Tuesday June 16th — 4th Annual Convergence by and for people who use(d) illicit drugs
First Met Hall, 932 Balmoral, 9am – 3pm
open to people who use(d) illicit drugs
Wednesday June 17th — Moving Forward: Public Forum on Supervised Consumption Services
6:30pm – 8pm, First Met Hall (932 Balmoral)
https://www.facebook.com/events/923047324427982/
Thursday June 18th — ‘Death as a Social Justice Issue: Perspectives on Death and Dying on the streets of Victoria’: panel discussion
2 – 4 pm, Central library Community Rm (732 Broughton)
https://www.facebook.com/events/871736626220774/
Friday June 19th — ‘Street Deaths are Preventable Deaths’ Rally
Noon, Quadra@Blanshard
https://www.facebook.com/events/1422872168035642/
More about the Wednesday Night Panel
We’ve invited speakers to share with us what SCS could look like in Victoria, as part of a larger discussion of how communities can work together to support this essential health service
Speakers
Marianne Alto Councillor, City of Victoria & Director, CRD
Katie Lacroix Chair, yes2scs Peer Advisory Committee
Bernie Pauly Scientist, Centre for Addictions Research of BC
Bruce Wallace, Assistant Professor, UVic School of Social Work
Moderated by Gregor Craigie of CBC’s On the Island
4th Convergence by/for People Who Use(d) Illicit Drugs (June 16, 2015)
The Peer Convergence is a one-day, multi-workshop event held at the First Metropolitan Church in Victoria. It is a grassroots initiative focused on community building by and for people who use illicit drugs (PUID) and who face significant marginalization, stigma and barriers to health. Last year, over 50 PUID and 25 health and social service providers came together to learn from each other.
This event is an opportunity for graduates of Street College courses to put their advocacy and teaching skills into practice – all part of building local capacity, and a collective voice for change in regional/national health and drug policy and harm reduction services.
Workshops over the years have included: safer use, harm reduction 101, supervised consumption services, OD prevention, social profiling
Community Responses to Criminalization (Nov 2014)
In November 2014, SOLID co-hosted a community convergence on the criminalization of poverty. Over 100 people in attendance, with reps from BCYADWS, SOLID, VANDU, Ankors, Western Aboriginal Harm Reduction Society, Committee to End Homelessness Victoria and others. Stay tuned for the follow-up meeting, with the aim of developing a strong BC-wide network opposing police targeting of the poor.
Concept paper and agenda
users, but it will be at least a year before it opens.”
SOLID Citizen is a monthly health education and advocacy newsletter about local harm reduction issues and showcasing local art and writing from our friends and family in the street community.