The declaration on March 17, 2020 of a public health emergency related to COVID-19 means that British Columbia is now facing two concurrent crises: one, the rapidly escalating spread of the novel coronavirus and another, the ongoing opioid overdose crisis.

The BC Centre on Substance Use is working to respond to these dual public emergencies to help protect our communities at this very critical time. Below is a list of guidance, education and training, and other resources to support the response to COVID-19 amongst people who use substances.

As of January 26, 2022:
After over a year of Risk Mitigation prescribing experience, the emergence of preliminary evaluation data and experience from clinicians and people who use drugs has led to the development of an update to Interim Clinical Guidance: Risk Mitigation in the Context of Dual Health Emergencies, which features expanded and amended guidance for mitigating substance-related risks in the context of COVID-19.

The clinical experience from Risk Mitigation prescribing also informed the development of an Opioid Use Disorder Practice Update. This document helps to enact, but is distinct from, Access to Prescribed Safer Supply in British Columbia: Policy Direction which was released in July 2021 by the MMHA, MoH, and the Office of the Provincial Health Officer.

BC Centre on Substance Use

400-1045 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9


E: [email protected] | T: (778) 945-7616 | F: (604) 428-5183

24/7 Addiction Clinician Support Line: (778) 945-7619

Online Addiction Medicine Diploma: [email protected].


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