opioid epidemic

Advocates for decriminalization and safe supply of drugs stood outside Nelson’s city hall on April 14, 2022. Photo: Bill Metcalfe

EDITORIAL: The two sides of decriminalizing drug possession

‘There is a new battle plan and hopefully it works, because we can’t keep losing this war’

  • Jan 28, 2023

 

From left: SafePoint’s Hyeth Manlosa, Ian Fraser, and Megan White. After five years in operation, SafePoint staff have reversed 2,845 drug poisonings, according to Fraser Health. (Photo submitted)

B.C. safe consumption site marks five years of ‘truly saving lives’

SafePoint in Surrey has seen 300,000 visits from 3,533 people, with 2,845 drug poisonings reversed

 

A man is comforted at a name-burning ceremony on Wednesday at the Abbotsford Community Hub after learning that two women he knew had died, while Amanda Rigdon of Phoenix Society places a name in the fire to honour a client who died of an overdose. (Jessica Peters/Abbotsford News)

VIDEO: Name-burning ceremony honours those lost to overdose crisis in Abbotsford

‘They were wanted. They were real. They were loved.’

 

The machines are akin to ATMs and allow drug users at risk of overdose to get hydromorphone pills dispensed to them after their palm has been scanned to identify its unique vein pattern. (CANADIAN PRESS)

Feds dole out $3.5M for ‘vending machines’ to dispense safer opioids in B.C.

The machines are located in four cities across Canada, including Vancouver and Victoria

The machines are akin to ATMs and allow drug users at risk of overdose to get hydromorphone pills dispensed to them after their palm has been scanned to identify its unique vein pattern. (CANADIAN PRESS)
According to a new poll, a majority of Canadians want to see illicit drugs decriminalized. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Majority of Canadians think it’s high time to decriminalize illicit drugs: poll

More than two-times the B.C. residents know someone who died from an overdose compared to rest of Canada

According to a new poll, a majority of Canadians want to see illicit drugs decriminalized. (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)
BC Centre for Disease Control naloxone kit. (Darryl Dick/The Canadian Press)

As B.C. grapples with pandemic, top doctor marks grim anniversary of overdose crisis

Dr. Henry said the stigma associated with addiction, the challenges with getting help remained top of mind

BC Centre for Disease Control naloxone kit. (Darryl Dick/The Canadian Press)