No Thanks, I'm Good

On February 27-28, 2024, Joseph Fourre and his wife, Vera, joined us to address the prominent use of fentanyl in our province, and it’s not so talked about effects. They shared the story of their son, Harlan Fourre who unfortunately died of fentanyl poisoning on April 28, 2023. Since his death, they have initiated the campaign “No Thanks, I'm Good” and have been tirelessly advocating for a change in the fentanyl crisis.

Harlan Fourre, also known as Singing Red Bear, was only 31 years old when he died. He had a good and promising future ahead of him. He was a smart, kind, and selfless man who would be there to support his loved ones in a heartbeat. He had been with the same roofing company for ten years and was an expert at shingling. He loved spending time with his father and his siblings, along with playing video games and golfing. He was always the type to say “No Thanks, I’m Good” when offered drugs, but one night he accepted and changed everything.

Harlan had just finished a job with the roofing company. To celebrate, some of his co-workers got together for some drinks, where Harlan was offered some drugs. Harlan does not have a known history of abusing drugs and usually sticks to beer but with the alcohol in his system, his judgment was altered and he accepted it unknowing that it contained fentanyl. Harlan, along with three other men, were found unresponsive by RCMP in The Pas, Manitoba that very evening. Harlan was sent to the hospital in critical condition and we later found out that he suffered catastrophic brain damage due to the lack of oxygen to his brain during that time and was not expected to wake up. He was taken off life support April 28, 2023, just that Friday and died shortly after.

Just like Harlan, many others are dying of this drug, many of whom aren't even addicts. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid narcotic which can be hidden unknowingly in anything and everything. Like Harlan, you may take something that you think is safe but is actually laced with fentanyl. Fentalyn is cheap for drug dealers to make into a street drug, compared to other opioids, but it is more powerful. It is causing high rates of overdose and overdose deaths as only a few grains can kill you.

The tragic death of Harlan Fourre highlights the urgent need to address the fentanyl crisis. The “No Thanks, I’m Good” campaign has been trying to reach out to individuals and youth in particular to really emphasize the importance of saying “No Thanks, I’m Good” and empowering them to resist the dangers posed by illicit drugs. They are talking about the uncomfortable conversations that need to be had and are ending the stigma around addiction. They hope for a better future that isn't killing our people.

For those families that could not make it to the “No thanks, I’m good” presentation on Fentanyl poisoning, Harlan’s parents have given us permission to share this YouTube link, so you will be able to watch it at home.