New app seeks to reduce drug-related deaths in Highlands
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A new app has been launched in a bid to reduce drug-related harm and deaths in the north of Scotland.
The Highland Overdose Prevention and Engagement (HOPE) app has been developed by Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership.
It was created with input from people with "lived experience" of the issue and a range of experts from NHS Highland and beyond.
NHS Highland’s health improvement specialist Eve MacLeod said: “The HOPE app is a source of information for people with drug and or alcohol problems, as well as their families or friends, which helps prevent overdose and encourages engagement with services that can help.
“It contains information on what to do in an emergency overdose situation for both depressant and stimulant drugs. Harm-reduction information and details on how to contact a range of support services are also available on the app. We are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to the development of the HOPE app.”
Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership co-ordinator Deborah Stewart said: “The HOPE app will complement and strengthen local action to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for people who use drugs and will help to reduce the risk of harm and death.
“Scotland faces unique challenges from a number of factors, such as high-risk patterns of drug use, a high-risk cohort of vulnerable people, stigma as a barrier to treatment and underlying problems such as poverty and inequality.
“Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership urges all our partners and members of the public to use the app and become overdose aware. We all have a role to play in reducing drug deaths.”
The HOPE app is free to download, and is available from https://bit.ly/3tawMkA (Android) or https://apple.co/39XfjEi (Apple).
