Love in the Time of Fentanyl (81 min) is an intimate film looking beyond the stigma of injection drug users. The Overdose Prevention Society (OPS) in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside opened its doors as a renegade safe injection site that employs current and former drug users. Its staff saves lives and gives hope to a profoundly marginalized community.
The film follows: Sarah, an activist who opened OPS without government approval; Trey, a graffiti artist and former heroin user; Ronnie, a seasoned frontline worker nicknamed Narcan Jesus; Norma, a much-loved Indigenous elder; and Dana, an active fentanyl user who constantly saves lives at work.
Betty Tate, member of the Comox Valley Substance Use Strategy Committee comments “Tragically, our valley lost 37 community members in 2022 to toxic drug poisoning, the most we have lost in one year since the start of this Public Health Emergency in 2016. This is unacceptable and unnecessary. We need to continue to learn about this tragedy and act with care and compassion together to stop the stigma and harm from toxic drugs. Please come see this film!”
Doors open at 6:15pm to view displays and talk with local service providers. Admission is by donation.
FMI: Janet – 250 334 1840