Opioids are a growing issue in Ontario, with numbers of opioid-related deaths and overdoses rising each year.*
As part of a strategic effort to address the current opioid crisis, the OPP has formed an Opioid Working Group with experts across the organization to implement a multi-faceted approach to this community safety issue according to a news release.
In May, the OPP's Opioid Working Group held media consultations in multiple locations across the province to better understand how police and media can work together to promote community safety regarding opioids. The goal of these consultations was to ensure that the OPP and media are communicating as effectively as possible, and can work together to reach the affected community.
Members of the local media provided expert insights regarding the best strategies for reaching public audiences. They also voiced their willingness to collaborate and share public safety messaging regarding opioids.
"I believe no one is too far removed from the opioid crisis," says Supt. Bryan MacKillop, Director of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau. "We likely all know someone who is dealing with this affliction, whether we are aware of it or not. We must work together to ensure that our communities are well informed about the opioid crisis and can protect themselves and their loved ones."
One of the approaches suggested in the media consultations was to provide the public with information regarding the collaborative response to the opioid crisis, including the four-pillared federal response to opioids used in communities across the province.
To this end, the OPP will be hosting a live social media event on Facebook and Periscope on Monday, June 25 between 12:15 and 12:45 p.m. which will provide clarity about the four-pillared response, and shed light on the OPP's role in the response.
