Inquest Reveals Urgent Need for Detox Centre After Woman’s Death

UPDATE: An inquest into the tragic death of Celine Samuel, a 44-year-old woman from the Northlands Denesuline First Nation, has sparked immediate calls for a detox centre in Thompson, Manitoba. The inquest, which concluded recently, highlights systemic failures that led to her death in an RCMP holding cell on February 1, 2020.

Emergency responders and health officials have voiced urgent support for establishing a local detox facility after the inquest revealed Samuel died from a brain bleed and alcohol intoxication while detained under the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act. The inquest report, released Friday, underscores a critical need for change in how intoxicated individuals are treated in custody.

Samuel had fallen twice at a fast-food restaurant just hours before her death, prompting her detention. However, medical professionals failed to adequately address her known brain injury. Testimonies from 16 witnesses during the inquest, including two paramedics who assessed her, revealed alarming oversights in her treatment.

“Her death was preventable,” stated Judge Doreen Redhead in her closing remarks. This sentiment was echoed by Charlene Lafreniere, chief Indigenous health officer for the Northern Regional Health Authority, who emphasized the urgent need for systemic changes.

The inquest, spanning 11 days in both Thompson and Winnipeg, called for several immediate actions: the establishment of a detox centre separate from police facilities, mandatory medical clearances for detainees, and ongoing monitoring by healthcare professionals.

The report also highlights a troubling pattern of bias against Indigenous individuals in healthcare settings. Dr. Marcia Anderson, an expert witness, pointed out that Samuel’s multiple visits to the emergency room were marred by systemic racism, impacting the quality of care she received. “There is recognition that additional resources and political will are required to effect change,” Redhead noted.

Samuel’s tragic case is not isolated. The inquest reveals that numerous individuals have died in police custody under similar circumstances. With a growing urgency, authorities are now advocating for comprehensive reforms in medical and policing practices, including mandatory anti-racism training for healthcare workers.

As Thompson grapples with this urgent need, community leaders and Indigenous organizations are rallying for a long-promised sobering centre. This timely call to action comes at a moment when many lives could be saved if appropriate measures are implemented.

The inquest’s findings are expected to reshape policies not just in Thompson, but potentially across Manitoba. Officials stress that immediate action is necessary to prevent future tragedies similar to Samuel’s.

Moving forward, stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate on these critical changes, ensuring that the community’s health and safety are prioritized. The call for a detox centre has never been more urgent, as the circumstances surrounding Samuel’s death reveal profound systemic issues that need addressing.

With the inquest finished, all eyes are on Thompson’s leadership to respond effectively and swiftly, paving the way for necessary improvements in care and support for vulnerable populations. Community advocates are poised to ensure that the lessons learned from this tragedy lead to tangible change, demanding accountability and action from all involved parties.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops and community responses unfold.