Scottish Drug Deaths Taskforce

Reducing drug-related deaths and harms is complex and extensive, and there is no single solution available to us. The evidence paper is organised into topics and we have included a guide that links the actions, from our final report, to the relevant evidence section.

We reviewed and discussed a vast amount of evidence in developing our final report – from existing academic research and best practice to Taskforce funded research and projects, this has been assessed and informed by the expertise of our members, subgroups and reference groups

The Taskforce’s supporting evidence paper for our final report, Changing Lives, has now been published. Thanks to all who have been involved over the past 3 years. Read it here drugdeathstaskforce.scot/news-informati…

Justina Murray has endorsed the Taskforce's final report which mirrors the recommendations and improvements families have been campaigning for. As she says, what matters now is action. The Family Reference Group report can be found here: drugdeathstaskforce.scot/news-informati…

Jason Wallace, a Taskforce member, explains the importance of the voice of people with lived and living experience in the design and improvement of services.

Trish Tracey highlights how Taskforce funding has been used to support and develop Overdose Response Teams and the importance of near fatal overdose pathways.

From a police perspective, ACC Gary Ritchie fully endorses the co-operation of the Drug Deaths Taskforce.

Gary Rutherford from the Scottish Ambulance Service, outlines how the ambulance service has used Taskforce funding to improve the distribution of Naloxone.

Ewen Stewart, from the Royal College of General Practitioners, welcomes the holistic approach put forward by the Taskforce and its call to action in tackling stigma.

Fiona McQueen, Vice Chair of the Taskforce, has called on everyone to read our report, Changing Lives, to see what they can do to tackle the drug related deaths crisis, for the betterment of Scottish society.

A quote below from Emma Crawshaw, CEO of Crew 2000, supporting key points from the Taskforce report and echoing the need for significant and sustained investment.

Becky has also provided a quote outlining a human rights-based approach to treatment.

Below is a video from Taskforce Member, Becky Wood, where she highlights that the current system is not working and change is needed.

Below is a quote from Taskforce Member, Carole Hunter, highlighting that we are all responsible for reducing drug related deaths and emphasising the importance of community pharmacies to our response.

A video from Colin our Families Representative on the Taskforce, outlining the importance of the role of families in the response to the drug deaths crisis. A link to the Family Reference Group report can be found here: drugdeathstaskforce.scot/news-informati…

The NRS statistics can be found here: nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and… Our Changing Lives report is available here: drugdeathstaskforce.scot/news-informati…

This is a stark reminder of the challenge we face and of the importance of the recommendations and actions set out in our report Changing Lives. What matters now is that these are implemented at pace, delivering the change that is urgently needed.

Following the publication of the NRS drug death statistics, David Strang, Chair of the Drug Deaths Taskforce said: These statistics show that tragically there are still more than 3 people dying a day in Scotland. My thoughts today are with every person who has lost a loved one.

Taskforce Chair, David Strang, sets out why change is needed and change is possible. Read our final report "Changing Lives" here: drugdeathstaskforce.scot/news-informati…

Thanks to the Family Reference Group for all their work and for this report, which has informed our recommendations. Their report can also be found on our website drugdeathstaskforce.scot/news-informati…