‘More overdose deaths’: Alarms raised as Regina overnight drop-in centre closes
“All Nations Hope Network will continue to provide programming and services to the community as we have since 1995 and will continue to do for the foreseeable future.”While the centre provided many services during those overnight hours, including community meals, STI testing, communication services and shelter, it’s the loss of overnight harm reduction services that those on the ground find the most concerning.
“We hand out Narcan or naloxone all throughout our hours,” she told Global News outside Awasiw earlier this month. “A lot of people, when there’s an overdose just down there, or down there, they usually come running to get some kits to bring their buddy back to life. Now that we’re going to be closed at night that option isn’t there anymore.”Kisikaw Piyesis said ANHN is working on putting together a new business model in hopes of reopening 24/7 service at Awasiw at some point.“We need a bare minimum of 20 outreach workers to run around the clock.