Ottawa Inner City Health

Yesterday was World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day.

Benzos are substances that slow the nervous system and are often prescribed for anxiety and sleep concerns. They have also been found in Ottawa's unregulated drug supply, increasing the risk of overdose. Benzo use can cause memory loss, blackouts, and loss of consciousness, which may increase a person's vulnerability to violence and sexual assault.

If someone shows signs of an overdose, call 911, stay with them, and administer Naloxone. While Naloxone does not reverse the effects of benzos, it can help if opioids are also involved.

Scan the QR code for more information on benzos and other substances!

OICH's Inuit Cultural and Spiritual Worker, Nancy, has been working alongside Program and Case Management Supervisor Tabitha to create bite-sized learning opportunities for our organization and partners. As part of this work, Nancy developed an educational resource on caribou soup to share its cultural significance and connection to Inuit traditions.

We've adapted this resource for social media, and what better time to share it than on Nunavut Day, a day that celebrates the history, culture, and resilience of Nunavummiut.

We're pleased to share what we hope is the first of many opportunities to deepen our understanding of Inuit culture and traditions!