Safer Prescribing Options for Substance Use Disorder

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There are medications available for you or your loved one that help prevent withdrawal, reduce exposure to COVID-19 and limit exposure to the toxic drug supply. The guidelines for safer prescribing during the dual public health emergencies provide greater access to these medications. The guidelines provide support for people at increased risk of overdose, and help prevent withdrawal, craving and other harms related to substance use. 

Talk to your doctor or health-care provider about reducing the need to purchase substances or experience withdrawal. Call 8-1-1 for information.

If you are interested in treatment options, there a number of resources available. Treatment for substance dependency works best when combined with other types of support, such as individual or group counselling. There is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” approach to treatment and recovery. Talk to your doctor or health-care provider about what wellness means to you, and what might be most helpful at this time. 

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News & Events

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Resilience and safety grant recipients

People and organizations in communities across the Island Health region will benefit from almost $1.2 million awarded through 29 resilience and safety grants.  

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Nanaimo

Centralization of walk-in mental health and substance use services in Nanaimo

Island Health is centralizing walk-in mental health and substance use (MHSU) services in Nanaimo to one location beginning March 15, 2023.

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Nanaimo’s Car 54 partnership drives care and connections for people in crisis

Nanaimo’s Car 54 partnership drives care and connections for people in crisis

Enhanced services are available for people in Nanaimo experiencing mental health and/or substance use crises, thanks to Car 54 – a full-time mental health mobile program that launched in October 2022.

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