Driving for awareness: KPU toxic drug crisis workshop promotes active discussion and advocacy
Students can learn about the importance of drug advocacy and engage in naloxone training on March 7
Parked in the driveway, “Curtis’ Dream Car” is a symbol of remembrance for Trevor Tablotney’s brother, Curtis. (Submitted)
Drug awareness advocates Trevor Tablotney and Alicia Horton will present their expertise on the toxic drug crisis and harm reduction at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Surrey campus on March 7, presented by the KDocsFF Social Justice Lab.
The two will lead discussions during a workshop on the importance of drug advocacy and train students in administering naloxone if and when a crisis occurs. The workshop will also include a tour of “Curtis’ Dream Car,” a symbol of advocacy and remembrance of Tablotney’s brother, Curtis, who passed away from a drug overdose in 2023.
Tablotney, a drug awareness advocate, wants to make a difference in the community and turn his grief from the loss of his brother into action toward change. Advocacy work is essential to Tablotney, and he wants people who are dealing with drug addiction to have the resources that his brother didn’t when he was struggling. “Curtis’ Dream Car” is one of the initiatives that got it all started for Tablotney.
“[Curtis] left behind this car that he always intended to fix up, and we didn’t know what to do with it, so we decided to fix it,” Tablotney says. “We use [the car] to distribute naloxone, take people for coffee, and put them on to resources for treatment and other forms of support.”
For Tabloney, not advocating for drug awareness isn’t an option as he feels there is a responsibility to look after people in crisis, especially when it is a matter of life or death.
“[Drug overdose] is the number-one leading cause of death in this country,” Tablotney says. “[People in crisis are] typically punched down when it comes to the community.”
Tablotney is bringing this workshop to KPU as part of his advocacy efforts, aiming to provide awareness to and educate students on how drugs are more dangerous than ever before.
He wants them to be aware of the signs of an overdose for when they could potentially have the chance to save someone’s life by paying attention to their surroundings. Students need to be ready to take action in times of a crisis, Tablotney adds, and respond quickly with the help of a naloxone kit.
KPU students are encouraged to attend the workshop, which will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 pm in the Surrey campus Cedar building. The workshop aims to further the conversation about drug advocacy. Tablotney hopes people are encouraged to talk and reduce the stigma surrounding drug addictions after leaving the event.
“If you want to get out and outreach, it’s as simple as bringing a cup of coffee to someone on the side of the road. It’s saying hi and smiling at somebody that’s less fortunate and dealing with substance-use dependencies,” he says.
“That is activism at its finest. That’s the ground level, grassroots, and it starts with community.”
Registration for the workshop is limited to 12 participants. Those interested in attending can secure their seats by emailing KDocsFF Social Justice Lab Director Greg Chan at greg.chan@kpu.ca.
