Frequently Asked Questions

No, we welcome all ages.

While we do not expect a certain number of hours, we do request that you make yourself available for two commitments per month 

Attend six out of 11 team meetings per year (these are hybrid) 

We provide you community engagement training and you are expected to attend at least one shadow shift to build your confidence in facilitating on the go naloxone trainings

Each team meeting provides an opportunity to practice your skills pertaining to Naloxone training where we break into groups and practice. This is a great time to ask any questions you have or that have come up during community events

Complete naloxone statistics (how many kits were given out and how many training took place). Attention to detail is important as it can impact our relationship with public health

Collect items from storage that are required to participate in events, this could include: tent, chairs, tables, naloxone, drug testing strips, and the community event bin. In addition, we do have two wagons to assist in transferring items. This is not a requirement of all volunteers, but it would be helpful if you could indicate if this was something you were able to do. 

Each community event will have a point person that will be skilled and knowledgeable to answer possible questions that can come up, media requests, shift coverage etc. This will not be your responsibility when starting as a new volunteer. 

Example of past community events: Independent Markets, street festivals, art crawl, Peachfest, Pride and more! 

Content Creation and Management: Develop and manage content across various social media platforms, adhering to our established content creation guidelines. This includes regular posts on harm reduction tips, educational videos, and community engagement activities.

Campaign and Event Promotion: Strategically promote campaigns and events like International Overdose Awareness Day and Social Justice Days, using our platforms to increase awareness and participation.

Monthly meetings via zoom to discuss content ideas, and assign tasks. 

This committee is self paced and directed. 

Volunteers will connect with community partners, support outreach initiatives, and promote SOPEN’s services. They’ll participate in events, foster collaborations, and contribute to knowledge sharing, all within a harm reduction framework. This role offers hands-on experience in public engagement, advocacy, and partnership development while making a meaningful community impact.

Volunteers will help identify funding opportunities, draft and review grant proposals, and align applications with funder priorities. They’ll gain experience in grant writing, fundraising strategy, and financial sustainability while supporting programs that advance SOPEN’s mission. This role is ideal for those interested in nonprofit funding and community impact.

The Education Committee is responsible for doing research and gathering local resources that help SOPEN with their aim of advancing awareness and knowledge surrounding substance use and overdose prevention. We aim to empower individuals and communities with evidence-based information on substance use, harm reduction strategies, and community care.

The Fundraising Committee is responsible for planning and executing fundraising activities to support SOPEN’s mission. The committee develops fundraising strategies, and organizes events. Members collaborate closely to achieve financial goals, ensuring the sustainability and growth of SOPEN.

Typically 1.5 hours on zoom and 2 hours in person. We adapt presentations to the organization’s needs, so the length of presentation may vary.

We offer a sliding scale from $0 to $350. We are solely volunteer led and run, so all funds are used towards our presentations, community engagement, and honorarium for people with lived and living experience.

No, we can train groups of friends or families, students and anyone interested in learning how to save a life with naloxone.

• History of drug prohibition and how it is deeply rooted in racism and colonialism 

• Harm reduction (safe injection sites, harm reduction programs, safe supply)

• Overdose response (how to recognize an opioid overdose, naloxone training, what to say after an overdose) 

• Overdose statistics in your community 

• Stigma and the importance of language 

• Safer partying tips

• How to get more involved in your community 

• *Topics can be adapted based on organizational need*

• You will learn how to save a life with naloxone, which is becoming a basic first aid response

• You will be provided with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices about drug use 

• You will learn about community resources and how to support people who use drugs in a compassionate and non-judgemental way 

No, we are unable to provide tax receipts as we are not a registered charity or non-profit organization. We can provide an invoice.

Yes, we provide each participant with a nasal naloxone kit. We can also provide injectable naloxone kits upon request.

• You cannot store nasal naloxone in your car, it is temperature sensitive and should be stored between 15-25 degrees celsius (59-77 Fahrenheit)

• If you only have a naloxone kit that has been exposed to extreme heat or cold, use it anyways, it just may not be as effective

• You can store injectable naloxone in your car

• Yes, each naloxone kit should have an expiry date on the back

• You can return your expired kit to your local pharmacy and they will dispose of it appropriately

• Your local pharmacy should carry naloxone (i.e., Fortinos, Shoppers Drug Mart, Marchese Pharmacy)

• Some social service organizations, such as The AIDS Network, the HUB, the Wesley Day Centre, Urban Core Community Health Centre, and the VAN program

No age requirements – anyone can carry naloxone.

• 4mg nasal spray is 10x stronger than IM to account for absorption and bioavailability

• Nasal will stay in the body for longer, so withdrawal symptoms can last longer than IM

• Nasal and IM start working at the same rate

• Nasal and IM are both as effective, nasal is just easier to administer