Substance Use Rapid Follow Up Team (SURF)

This outreach team works with individuals who have experienced a recent opioid overdose and are not connected to a case management or substance use team. The team consists of Island Health Registered Nurses and Umbrella Society Outreach Workers.

SURF offers the following: 

  • Rapid follow-up after an overdose 
  • System navigation and referrals to appropriate services
  • Medical support from Island Health registered nurses 
  • MHSU peer support from Umbrella outreach workers 
  • Support with accessing Opioid Agonist Therapy (Methadone, Kadian, Suboxone, Safe Supply) 
  • Harm reduction supplies 
  • Overdose prevention education 

General Information on Substance Use Rapid Follow Up Team (SURF)

Referral Required?
Required
How to Get Referral

Most referrals are generated by BC Emergency Health Services following an overdose.

At this time, we are able to accept referrals from other sources for individuals following an overdose or who are at high risk of overdose. 

Referral form.

Contact Us
Hours of Operation

Monday - Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Learn About

News & Events

people sitting in circle

Initiatives helping people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges earn Island Health awards

In conjunction with Mental Health Week, Island Health is recognizing two individuals for their efforts to create meaningful change for people struggling with mental health and substance use challenges.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more