The latest news articles featuring BC Centre on Substance Use.
BC’s Deadliest Year for Overdoses and a ‘Shameful,’ ‘Unconscionable’ Response
February 11, 2021 | The Tyee
Almost five years after the overdose crisis was declared a public health emergency, at least 1,716 British Columbians lost their lives in 2020 without access to a regulated, safe alternative to poisoned illicit drugs. That surpasses the 1,549 people who died in 2018, up until now the deadliest year,...
RNs begin prescribing addiction treatment medications, a Canadian first
February 08, 2021 | Province of British Columbia
VICTORIA – The first cohort of registered nurses (RNs) is on track to begin prescribing medications for treatment of opioid use disorder, as part of B.C.’s leading-edge overdose response plan. Thirty RNs and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) will complete their training this month to prescrib...
Four New Safer Drug Supply Projects to Launch in BC
February 01, 2021 | The Tyee
A first-of-its kind safer supply clinic in Vancouver’s downtown will begin to offer flexible, individual-centred care to people who use a variety of substances as early as this spring. The $5-million, four-year Safer Alternatives for Emergency Response program was one of four B.C. safer supply pro...
Government of Canada supports first national guideline on high-risk drinking and alcohol use disorder
January 29, 2021 | Government of Canada
High-risk drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD) can have significant health, social and economic consequences for individuals and communities. However, a lack of research, limited access to substance use specialists, and insufficient training resources mean that AUD can frequently go unrecognized ...
B.C. paramedics responded to overdoses about every 20 minutes in 2020: report
January 20, 2021 | CityNews (News 1130)
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — B.C. paramedics were kept incredibly busy last year responding to just over 27,000 overdoses — averaging 74 calls every day or one call every 20 minutes. According to B.C. Emergency Health Services, in 2020, paramedics responded to more overdose calls than ever before. An...
