CKPG News

By Taya Fast

Indigenous overdose response fund applications open for northern communities

Jul 27, 2021 | 7:06 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The Pounds Project has partnered with the First Nations Health Authority for a new approach in resolving the opioid crisis. The Northern Indigenous Opioid Response Fund is now open for applications.

“We know that that [the Indigenous community] is being disproportionately affected by the overdose crisis – they make up for 15% of fatal overdoses,” said Executive Director of The Pounds Project, Jordan Stewart.

Stewart added that in 2021 numbers are expected to be almost six times higher for fatal overdoses among Indigenous Peoples in B.C.

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“This overdose crisis, this poising epidemic is creating heartbreak in every level of our community. The hope of this fund is that we are going to create similar efforts in other communities,” continued Stewart.

The Pounds Project is a peer-driven organization, that was founded to be a creative and innovative approach to solving the opioid crisis in the province.

“This partnership with the First Nations Health Authority in creating the fund is an opportunity for us to provide that same chance to other communities and groups that need this help right now,” said Stewart.

Up to $20,000 is available for rural northern communities and up to $50,000 for larger communities, like Prince George, to fund creative supports for Indigenous Peoples who struggle with addictions.

“These funds are meant to be low-barrier and easy to access. We have a strong mentorship program in place to support recipients of the fund,” added Stewart.

The Pounds Project hopes to support between 20 and 30 successful applicants. All grants will be given on a first come first serve basis,until the money is exhausted. More information and applications are available on The Pounds Project’s website or Facebook page.