The mayors of Gibsons and Sechelt, along with the chief of shíshálh Nation and chair of the Sunshine Coast Regional District, are now able to use Naloxone kits.
Bill Beamish, Darnelda Siegers, Warren Paull and Lori Pratt took part in a special training session Jan. 29, organized by the Community Action Team (CAT).
CAT was established late last year with funding from a program under the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions and a goal of offering support for substance users on the Coast and working to reduce the stigma around drug use.
Two of the CAT peer support workers ran the elected officials through how to recognize the symptoms of a potential opiate overdose and then how to use the Naloxone kits made available by CAT and Vancouver Coastal Health.
After the officials demonstrated proficiency loading syringes and inserting the needles into small pucks of gel designed to mimic human flesh, they received signed certificates from the trainers.
CAT has already hosted two successful open houses for drug users and has another planned for 2 p.m. Feb. 21 at Sechelt Municipal Hall.
