Focus on evidence-based efforts needed to save lives
February 7, 2019
VICTORIA – The number of British Columbians dying from illicit drug overdoses plateaued in 2018, despite significant efforts from groups around the province to prevent deaths. The BC Coroners Service reports there were 1,489 suspected illicit drug overdose deaths in 2018, just over the total of overdose deaths seen in 2017. It is likely the numbe...
First in Canada pilot project at St. Paul’s Hospital ED to provide take-away treatment to opioid overdose patients
February 6, 2019
A leading-edge pilot project in the St. Paul’s Hospital Emergency Department (ED), in collaboration with the VCH Regional Addiction Program, will provide opioid overdose patients with take-away doses of treatment upon discharge. “Ensuring that people who experience an opioid overdose have the tools they need to stay alive is essential,” says ...
“This is the drug war covered by drug users”: New podcast documents the overdose crisis in real time
January 30, 2019
Vancouver – Coast Salish Territory – Crackdown is a new, monthly podcast about drugs, drug policy, and the drug war – produced by people who use drugs. The overdose crisis is an ongoing and unprecedented public health emergency. Each episode will tell the story of a community fighting for their lives, and point to a way out of this crisis...
New resources to support BC families impacted by substance use
November 28, 2018
Thousands of families across British Columbia have suffered the loss of a loved one to overdose, and thousands more struggle to support a child or loved one living with a substance use disorder. Two new handbooks written in collaboration with people who have first-hand experience with substance use and loss aim to help British Columbian families ma...
Professor of Cannabis Science announced to research the role of cannabis in opioid overdose treatment
November 23, 2018
Examining the potential of cannabis in addressing the opioid overdose crisis and other substance use disorders is a top priority for Dr. M-J Milloy, a recognized leader in the field of epidemiology and the first Canopy Growth Professor of Cannabis Science at the University of British Columbia. Initially, this professorship will lead clinical trials...
