The latest news articles featuring BC Centre on Substance Use.
Does B.C.’s drug overdose crisis require a different approach?
February 14, 2021 | Global News Morning BC
With drug overdose deaths in B.C. breaking records we look at whether a new approach is needed to tackle the crisis. [Video]...
B.C. asks Ottawa to decriminalize drug possession after record year for overdose deaths
February 12, 2021 | Vancouver Sun
The provincial government waited seven months to officially ask Ottawa to decriminalize simple possession of illicit drugs as a record number of British Columbians continued to die due to the overdose crisis, a letter released Thursday shows. The letter, sent by B.C.’s minister of mental health an...
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...
