stagger use with friends so someone can respond if needed
avoid using more than one drug at a time (stacking drugs increases risk of overdoses and contributes to more severe overdoses)
carry and use naloxone and have an overdose response plan
be close to help
use an Overdose Prevention Service
This applies to all methods of drug consumption – injection, inhalation, snorting, smoking or consuming with alcohol.
Overdose Prevention and Supervised Consumption Services* are locations where people can use illegal drugs under supervision by trained staff. As part of healthcare services, staff in these locations monitor people who are at risk of overdose and provide rapid intervention if necessary.
Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl. It is available in BC without a prescription.
Overdose Prevention Services are allowed under special Ministerial Order (Ministerial Order M488) under the Emergency Services Act. Supervised Consumption Services are approved by Health Canada for exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
General Information on Overdose Prevention Services
Island Health magazine spring 2021 features articles on COVID-19 including a look back at the past year. Also included are articles on the health benefits of spending time in nature, memory loss and aging, and a moving article about one family’s journey with hospice care.
Victoria – Island Health has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an Overdose Prevention Services (OPS) provider and location, which will complement existing services in the downtown Victoria core.
