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…

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…

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…

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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…

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…

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

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.