Bridges lit to share awareness this International Overdose Awareness Day
This week the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson recognised International Overdose Awareness Day, with the goal of raising awareness about overdoses in Bedford Borough, reducing the stigma surrounding addiction, and honouring the memory of friends and family who have lost their lives to substance use disorders.
In their honour, many will have seen the bridges in Bedford lit up in purple on Wednesday.
Many across Bedford Borough have a connection with substance use disorder, whether it's a family member, friend, or someone in our community experiencing it.
Mayor Dave said, "International Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity for everyone to remember loved ones we have lost, acknowledging the grief of family and friends left behind."
The latest government data found more than 4,800 deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales in 2021 - the highest number since records began, and the continuation of an alarming trend of year-on-year increases since 2012. Bedford Borough itself, despite its relatively small population, has recorded an average of more than 10 drug overdose deaths per year since 2017.
To help reduce the number of drug related deaths in Bedfordshire, a pilot has begun which sees Bedfordshire Police Officers carrying Nasal Naloxone. This is a potentially life-saving medication, which can be administered to individuals who have overdosed on opiate drugs.
Support is available in Bedford for those who are struggling with drug use. Our local adult drug and alcohol service (Path 2 Recovery) is a free NHS service that offers treatment and support. For Young People affected by drug use (either their own, or a family member's use), free help and support is available from Aquarius. Path 2 Recovery can be contacted by calling 0333 332 4019 or visiting www.elft.nhs.uk/services/path-2-recovery-p2r-bedford-borough. Aquarius can be contacted by calling 0330 008 3925 or visiting aquarius.org.uk/our-services/young-peoples-services/bedfordshire-yp/.