In April 2016, B.C.’s declared a public health emergency in response to the dramatic rise in drug overdose deaths. More than 5 years later, the death toll continues to rise at a disturbing pace. For people battling substance abuse, the most common and often first touchpoint is the frontline ER staff. Unfortunately, stigma, compassion fatigue, and lack of information and tools may prevent ER staff from providing knowledgeable and caring support to patients. 

Using real stories from people who have experienced overdose and addiction, as well as mediums such as crayons (often associated with childhood), the aim was to display the humanity and story that each patient holds and evoke an empathetic response in the ER staff.