An open letter to society – From people who use drugs
As part of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) 2025, staff from our Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR) compiled a heartfelt letter to society. The letter was written with the guidance and input of fifty people who use the MSIR and the Needle and Syringe Program at North Richmond Community Health.
At our recent IOAD event, it was read aloud by MSIR client MJ, who bravely shared the words of our clients with everyone present.
Why did we write this letter?
Too often, people who use drugs are often talked about or talked over. Rarely are they talked to, and even less often listened to.
This year we want to give our clients a voice.
Read the letter in full here:
Click image to enlarge.
Pictured: MJ (MSIR client, centre) with NRCH leadership at the IOAD event: Sally Mitchel, Belinda Bravo, Simone Heald, Dr John Furler, and Laura O’Shea.
