'Where can we find safe supply?' B.C. mom runs through heartache after son's overdose death
Weeks after losing her son to a toxic drug poisoning, Jessica Michalofsky runs several marathons a week to raise awareness about the need for safer supply in B.C.
Her son, Aubrey, who was her only child, was 25 when he died on Aug. 30.
Now, the Victoria mom is running a marathon several times a week, all around government offices, to urge leaders to expand access to a safer supply of drugs and do a better job of getting rid of the stigma attached to drug use.
"I'm calling on our government to say, 'What's going on? Where can we find safe supply if it's so available? Where can I find it in Duncan? In Masset? In Winlaw? In Terrace, where's the safe supply?" she said in an interview with CTV News.
Michalofsky's son is one of more than 1,600 people who have lost their lives so far this year.
Aubrey was studying law.
"He was an upcoming star academically, I would say and he felt passionately about social justice. So, you now, in a way I'm carrying on his legacy by fighting for safe supply," she added.
Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, told CTV News work is underway to get more health professionals in the province confident in prescribing safer drugs -- at a time when drugs are more toxic than ever.
"I would like to have more points of contact, more drugs, more prescribers, particularly more prescribers than we have, but the expansion continues," Malcolmson added.
Malcolmson shared her condolences for the Michalofsky family and said she is willing to meet with Jessica.
For the heartbroken mom, another piece that needs to be addressed is the stigma surrounding drug use. One way she thinks the province could play a role in combating fear and harmful stereotypes is to make sure everyone has better information about drug use, its impacts, and treatment – including prescribed safe supply.
"If I have one regret, it's that I didn't do all this while he was alive," Michalofsky added. "Maybe I could have affected some change in terms of providing him with a safe supply of drugs. But he also would have known how proud I am of him and that I recognize how mightily he struggled."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.