By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

remembering

Leah’s Light walk/run returns to raise drug overdose awareness

Aug 13, 2021 | 12:17 PM

Supporters will once again walk this summer in remembrance of Leah, an 18-year-old who lost her life in 2018 as the result of an accidental overdose.

The third annual Leah’s Light 5 km walk/run for overdose awareness is scheduled for Aug. 28. It goes from 10-2 at Kiwanis Picnic Park in Red Deer.

It also comes three days ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day (Aug. 31).

“Every single one of these deaths is preventable,” says walk organizer Ashley Balan, Leah’s sister. She adds that societal stigma and shame surrounding drug use are at the heart of the issue.

“Nobody wants to talk about overdose, but we need to start talking about it. Maybe starting that conversation will save someone’s life.”

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Soon after Leah’s death, Balan connected with Red Deer-based Turning Point, as well as Moms Stop the Harm, to educate herself about Alberta’s toxic drug supply. She also received training, which is available for free and to anyone, on how administer naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose.

“I believe with education and access to barrier-free resources we can do better,” Balan says.

According to the Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System, Red Deer saw 17 opioid poisoning deaths from January to May 2021. In 2020, the city had 49.

There were 1,154 opiod poisoning deaths in Alberta last year, about 96 each month. From January to May 2021, there have been 576, or 115 monthly.

“I can’t stress how important it is that everyone is equipped with the right information and tools, particularly while we remain in the depths of an overdose crisis,” says Turning Point’s Executive Director, Stacey Carmichael.

“It’s a true honour to work with Ashley in raising awareness and funds for the overdose prevention services. These efforts are needed now more than ever.”

Q1 of 2021 was the second highest ever three-month period for naloxone kits being given out across the province. From January to March this year, 8,212 were given out across Alberta at pharmacies, and 19,927 were given out at other community sites.

A total of 3,133 were given out in AHS’ Central Zone.

Tickets to participate in Leah’s Light are $20, and there will be a BBQ and naloxone training on-site.