Moray SNP News

DRUG RELATED DEATHS: MSP TO MEET MORAY DRUG & ALCOHOL TEAM

Richard Lochhead MSP is set to meet with the Team Lead at Moray Alcohol and Drug Partnership, Paul Johnson, to discuss the increase in drug related deaths in Moray last year.

Figures published by the National Records of Scotland reported that the number of drug deaths in Moray increased from 7 in 2017 to 17 in 2018.

Commenting Moray’s SNP MSP said:

“I think locally many people were shocked at the increased number of drug related deaths in Moray last year.  The figures were a tragic reminder for all of us that substance misuse affects all parts of Scotland, including rural communities, and that lives are being lost right here on our doorstep.

“But these aren’t just statistics, these are lives that have been cut short and families and friends deeply affected by tragedy.

“We’re facing a national emergency in relation to drug use and Moray is not immune, which is why I am keen to sit down with the team at the Alcohol and Drug Partnership to talk through how we can better support people in our communities and ultimately save lives. 

“Listening to those who are working on the frontline, delivering services and support to those using drugs is essential if we’re serious about stopping these preventable deaths.

“I also hope that we can persuade the UK Government to act to allow the implementation of a public health response – it is clear that the current approach is failing the most vulnerable people in our communities.”