New research shows access to a safer supply in BC helped reduce overdose risk
March 9, 2022
The increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply during COVID-19 led many people to seek prescription alternatives, referred to as prescribed safe supply, in order to limit exposure to overdose risk, according to new research published today. However, those who accessed a safe supply still sought illicit drugs because of limitations to prescrib...
Overdose prevention sites provide wide range of health benefits: new research
December 2, 2021
The scaling-up of overdose prevention sites (OPS) in Vancouver beginning in December 2016 was associated with a range of health benefits, including an increase in engagement in addiction treatment, as well decreases in public injection and syringe sharing. The findings from researchers with the BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) and University of B...
Researchers to investigate vaccine uptake, efficacy and side effects in vulnerable urban populations
July 14, 2021
Urban centres across Canada are home to many vulnerable populations who are more at risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 and developing serious complications from COVID-19. The Government of Canada, through the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF) and the Vaccine Surveillance Reference Group (VSRG), is investing approximately $770,000 in a new study that wi...
Shoppers Drug Mart steps up with UBC, BCCSU to improve addiction treatment and care
June 10, 2021
Shoppers Drug Mart Inc (“Shoppers Drug Mart”) is stepping up to improve addiction treatment and care for all Canadians by supporting pharmacist training and education led by the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU). A $2 million gift from Shoppers Drug Mart to the University of British Columbia (UBC) will establish the Shoppers Drug...
BC Centre on Substance Use statement on City of Vancouver decriminalization submission
May 11, 2021
The BC Centre on Substance Use has signed onto an open letter in response to the City of Vancouver’s proposed submission to Health Canada on decriminalization. The BCCSU is fully supportive of efforts to reduce the harms associated with the criminalization of people who use drugs. However, we strongly believe that any approach to decriminalizatio...
