Response for prescription drug abuse minimal: NAN

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) is continuing their call on the federal and provincial governments and the general public to recognize the rapidly increasing rates of prescription drug abuse in NAN territory and Canada at large.
“OxyContin addiction did not begin in NAN communities; this drug is not made in our territory,” said Mike Metatawabin, NAN deputy grand chief, in a press release. “NAN First Nations face a very dangerous epidemic of an ultra-addictive drug amongst children, youth and all members.” 
Metatawabin’s comments coincided with a walk led by Lyle Fox, a youth from Bearskin Lake First Nation who is working to raise funds for the fight against prescription drug abuse. Fox walked from Pelican Falls First Nation High School near Sioux Lookout to Thunder Bay. He arrived in Thunder Bay Sept. 1.
In 2009 the NAN chiefs declared a state of emergency as a result of the prescription drug epidemic, but so far NAN said the response from the government has been minimal.
“In the North we lack addiction treatment programs and facilities. Our communities do not have resident health professionals for community treatment services. There is an overall shortage of community-based recovery programs. Our efforts to enhance the training of our workers are challenged by the absence of training institutions and trainers for community workers to learn addictions interventions,” Metatawabin said. 
In 2010 Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS) led 180 drug investigations and seized 8500 OxyContin tablets worth an estimated $3.4-million in northern communities. NAPS also reported a steady rise in policing services from 13,437 calls in 2005 to 20,325 calls in 2010.
“We have been forced to stretch our already limited policing and security personnel in order to attempt to keep this drug from entering our communities. More resourcing must be in place to protect our members against crime, violence and gang-related activity,” Metatawabin said. “Action must be taken now in order to save our communities and future generations from harm.”