CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Marathoner on cross-province run for toxic drug supply awareness stops in Grand Forks

Grand Forks Gazette - 5/27/2023

A literal and figurative warm welcome greeted Jennifer Michalofsky as she stopped in Grand Forks on her province-wide journey to bring awareness to toxic drug poisonings.

The Moms Stop the Harm member and marathon runner stopped in the city Friday afternoon, running to Pharmasave on Central Avenue to a reception of well-wishers, supporters, a drum circle, Grand Forks Community Action Team (CAT) AIDS Network Kootenay Outreach and Support Society (ANKORS) members.

The marathon is in memory of her son, Aubrey, who died as a result of toxic drug poisoning Aug. 30, 2022.

Her first impressions of the city were cordial, she said, with herself and her support crew staying with Doukhobors the night before.

"This has been a wonderful time in the city," she said at the conclusion of her run into the city. "We don't get a reception in every place. This is a really strong community."

She is doing this marathon because that is what she knows best, she said. She also understands a message like hers needs to stay in the public sphere so doing long-term events like a marathon will keep people interested in her message as media coverage follows her.

The focus is what a risk toxic drug supply is to not just those who use, but the whole community. The best option from her point of view is ensuring a safe supply and educating the public on risks and options to help others, she said. Talking about it publicly offers support to those struggling, families and friends who are trying to help them, others grieving losses and above all, getting people to talk.

Normalizing talking about safe drug supply also destigmatizes it. The hope for Moms Stop the Harm, ANKORS, herself personally and everyone supporting her is her work will help change perceptions.

Among the changing perceptions is the shame family and friends may feel when someone uses drugs or dies as a result.

Michalofsky said she felt shame and guilt initially after Aubrey died, but had learned it isn't her fault.

To emphasize that, she ran part of the marathon into the city shirtless

"He was a good kid, he had a college education. People like him use drugs, too." she said. "We are taught to shame ourselves, but I'm not doing that anymore. This body brought him into this world, so I'm proud of it."

She added it was also very hot, so running shirtless kept her cool.

Along with her run and talks, she is carrying information about toxic drug supply issues in B.C., support those using drugs and their families can get through various groups, naloxone kits, pins, and even postcards supporters can mail for free to MLAs to voice their support for ending stigma and more support for people living with drug use.

They even set up a booth at Paulson Pass for anyone wishing to learn more about the cause.

She was also joined by Grand Forks Pharmasave pharmacist Rachel Neumann for the last five miles of the marathon, starting at Whitehall Road and traveling along the Trans Canada Trail.

The joint run was to show support for a mutual concern, Neumann said.

"We ran together on the trail and we had a good chance to chat and get to know each other," Neumann said. "Again, the government has come out to say there should be a safe supply so people know what they are getting, which decreases their risk of drug poisoning."

The marathon started in Nelson on May 21 and will end at the Provincial Legislature BuildingJune 25. Michalofsky said there will be a reception for her, but she isn't expecting any politicians to be there to greet her, as it will be a Sunday and most of the MLAs hadn't been speaking to her about her concerns since she began her marathon campaigns, anyway.

"None of them have talked to me, directly," she said. "What I'm hoping is we get more people talking about it and changing views, which will help them think about who they want to vote for and bring change that way."

Since the death of Aubrey, Michalofsky has been an advocate for safe supply, barrier-free access to traditional treatments like methadone and suboxone, more aftercare and treatment centres – especially in rural and remorse areas – and wider implementation of drug education in schools.

Last winter, she ran every day for six weeks around the outside of the B.C. Ministry of Health Building as part of her campaign, logging a total of 900 kilometres.

To find out more about Michalofsky's marathon, her webpage has information on her progress, schedule and links to her Facebook and donation sites.

She can also be reached at