#72: Overdose, decriminalization, harm reduction and Pharma. What do you need to know?

Helen Jennins retired from the financial industry after the death of her eldest son Rian. Ryan died in 2011 from a prescription drug overdose after suffering injuries in a motor cycle accident. Subsequent to his death, Helen initiated an investigation with both the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the College of BC Pharmacists. Her intent was to shed light on the liberal and sometimes careless prescribing of narcotics, and that Pharmanet was a tool that could be used in overuse of opioids.

In January 2016, her second son Tyler died of fentanyl, disguised as a heroin overdose. Helen now works closely with the organization, Moms Stop the Harm, to educate the public and private sectors alike on decriminalizing drugs for personal use, proper use of terms like “misusing drugs”, and more.

Through her pain and loss she is working tirelessly to move the needle on the senseless deaths that are occurring at rapid rates. This interview will shock you, sadden you, but hopefully enlighten you to the work that is and needs to conintue to be done.