Better approach to prescription drugs needed: Toulouse

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse said a one-size-fits-all approach will not address the epidemic of prescription drug abuse in First Nations communities.
“The prescription drug abuse problem is an epidemic in our communities and it is imperative we are part of developing an effective solution that will begin to address this devastating situation,” Toulouse said.
He said all levels of government must work with First Nations to modify the strategy as outlined in Ontario’s recently introduced Bill 101, an act to provide for monitoring the prescribing and dispensing of certain controlled substances, which was tabled Sept. 15 in the Ontario Legislature.
“First Nations communities have to be involved in determining what approaches will work for them,” Toulouse said. “Their readiness to support change will help them advise funding agencies as to what resources and supports will be required to address the programming needs for a First Nations strategy.”
Toulouse said First Nations want to address the prescription drug abuse issue and have declared a state of emergency in regards to the epidemic.
As part of this effort, chiefs have engaged physicians in an open dialogue to address the problem.
Deer Lake Coun. Darryl Mamakeesic said his community has been holding community information sessions on prescription drugs and encouraging those who are addicted to prescription drugs to go out to treatment centres.
“We try to get them to go to treatment centres but you can’t really do anything unless they are willing to seek help because you can’t force them,” Mamakeesic said. “But if they are willing, we get them help at treatment centres.”
In August, Sandy Lake Chief Adam Fiddler said his community uses both land-based and structured programs to help those who are addicted to prescription drugs.
Meanwhile, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service continues to report progress in the battle over prescription drug abuse.
NAPS officers in Sandy Lake seized about $12,400 worth of OxyContin prescription pills Sept. 28 and charged a 20-year-old woman with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
NAPS officers in Wapekeka charged a 48-year-old woman with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking Sept. 27.
Wapekeka First Nation Band Security Peacekeepers called for assistance and turned over $16,800 worth of OxyContin prescription pills.
NAPS seized about $20,000 worth of OxyCodone prescription pills at the Thunder Bay International Airport Sept. 22 and charged a 19-year-old female from Webequie with possession for the purpose of trafficking.
In Deer Lake police also seized about $17,200 worth of OxyContin and Percocet pills with the assistance of Band Airport Security Sept. 14. A 27-year-old was charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.