Positive partnership to tackle growing drugs crisis

Regarded as a cutting- edge medication in the treatment of substance abuse, naloxone can successfully reverse opioid overdoses in over 90% of cases.

Drug abuse is a growing issue Scotland-wide and the figure for drug-related deaths in Dundee is alarmingly high. Dundee and Angus College has adopted a pro-active approach in response to this growing social issue by ensuring that all students and members of staff who may be required to deal with drug-related emergencies are adequately prepared.

The progressive training is being delivered by Hillcrest Futures, a long-standing community partner of Dundee and Angus College. Participants are taught the signs and symptoms of an overdose as well as how to administer naloxone in a safe and effective manner. By the end of March 2022, it is expected that over 100 students and members of staff will have completed the training.

Katie Baxter, Learner Engagement and Community Partnerships Manager at Dundee and Angus College, said: “The Hillcrest Futures Drugs & Alcohol Service is such a valued community partner of the College, responding directly to the growing drugs crisis in our local communities. We are proud to be part of the ODnotMe campaign, to raise awareness of the tragic number of drug related deaths in Scotland. Equipping our staff, and students as they enter the workforce, is a positive step towards this.”

Danny Kelly, Manager at Hillcrest Futures, said: “The drug crisis in Dundee is still on going, so raising awareness of naloxone is vital to help save lives and lower drug-related deaths. We are delighted to partner with Dundee and Angus College to provide training to both staff and students to reduce stigma and challenge perceptions of substance use. The training will also increase people’s understanding of naloxone and how it is administered.”