NotANarc

@nobill53ab.bsky.social

89 Followers 43 Following

Healthcare professionals against the Compassionate Intervention Act (Bill 53) in Alberta. Committed to providing education, support, and resources so we can better care for patients, each other, and community.

Alberta EMS responses to opioid related events, demonstrating a gradual upward trend since 2018 with the exception of a partial decrease in 2024.
PWUD-reported unmet health and social service needs include housing (55%), income support (36%), medical care (25%), basic necessities (23%), mental health care (21%), and drug treatment (14%). 40% were hesitant to access medical care and 27% were denied medical care because they use drugs.
Grieving mother in a purple dress, holding a sign with the message "Healthcare, NOT JAIL"
Even if a patient has capacity, the Act outlines how they will be forced to take medications. Right to refuse treatment: Patients will be asked if they consent to treatment. The legislation specifies certain treatment a patient cannot refuse. A patient cannot refuse to: Be observed, monitored, and assessed by the treatment team. Receive clinical advice. Take medications to treat their substance use or addiction that are authorized by the commission and prescribed and administered by the health professional who is treating them.
Assessment determination: An independent commission member (lawyer) reviews the application and determines if an individual meets the criteria for an up to 72-hour assessment period. If criteria are met, the lawyer commission member issues an apprehension order and an assessment order. If not, the application is dismissed and the applicant will be provided with information on alternate care options. Apprehension and conveyance: Police locate and transport the patient to a compassionate intervention centre for assessment. Police can transfer patient care to peace officers for conveyance. Assessment and detox: Patients are under the care of a treatment team. They receive medical withdrawal support and/or initial stabilization, as well as screening, physical examinations, and other assessments to determine the risk factors associated with their substance use and addiction and their overall health and wellness.
We are having some great conversations with colleagues - and the public - prompted by buttons and stickers! Great opportunities for education and learning!
A prison is a prison is a prison. The Compassionate Intervention Act is not treatment. It's a healthcare system turned prison pipeline. It's a carceral response to a public health crisis. This isn't about saving lives - it's about saving face. Instead of housing, healthcare, and dignity, we're getting handcuffs, court orders, and locked doors wrapped in the language of compassion.
No phone/internet; On "restricted" medications; Social anxiety; No smoking; No pets; No non-English programs; No recent psych assessment; Can't go with partner; Can't miss work; Can't leave family / kids; Culturally unsafe; Too long to wait; Mental health concerns; Risk of poisoning; Can't read / write; No detox beds / need detox before; Complex medical issues; Court date pending; No transportation; Not wheelchair accessible; Application rejected; Feels like jail or residential school
Black leather jacket and bag with Not a Narc pin
Laptop case with Not a Narc sticker, “Harm reduction build community” sticker, and partial views of 2 other stickers
5 pins on blue lanyard: Not a Narc, orange shirt, Palestine, and she/her pins.
2 pins on rainbow lanyard: Not a Narc, and “harm reduction saves lives”
3 pins on a yellow lanyard: Not a Narc, orange shirt, and “you can talk to me about drugs, no judgment, no stigma”
We call on healthcare professionals to take the "Not A Narc" pledge! -Speak up against coercive care models -Advocate for investment in voluntary, accessible, community-centered services -Ensure patient voices and lived experience guide substance use policy
Involuntary treatment for substance use: What healthcare providers need to know!
We are standing up against Bill 53 and demonstrating clearly that we respect patient rights and honour their trust in us.
Make a statement. Take a stand. We respect patient right and honour their trust in us!
What is a "narc"? The term "narc" was initially used as shorthand for a "Narcotics Officer" - a government agent enforcing drug laws - but is now used more broadly to refer to anyone who seeks punishment for people using drugs, typically by informing on a person to police or other authority figures. A narc is someone who cannot be trusted by people who use drugs. As healthcare providers, we know that trust is essential to provide care to any patient.
Together, we can champion care that is ethical, effective, and grounded in human rights.