In response to the increasing number of overdose-related deaths, VCH is opening additional health-care supports including the BC Mobile Medical Unit and overdose prevention sites at DTES hot spots.

Two overdose prevention sites open today at VANDU (380 East Hastings Street) and Portland Hotel Society Washington Needle Depot (177 E. Hastings Street). Teams will provide people who use illicit drugs with a safe space to be monitored. Staff will be equipped with naloxone and appropriate training for overdose response.

The sites are an example of VCH’s ability to be nimble and act quickly to address a growing health crisis. While overdose deaths have been more common across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, the use of fentanyl and its deadly potential are being seen in all corners of the province.

The Portland Hotel Society Washington Needle Depot (177 East Hastings Street) in Vancouver.

“It’s an incredible effort by VCH staff across One Vancouver and Public Health to creatively and tirelessly put these life-saving initiatives into place so quickly,” says Laura Case, chief operating officer Vancouver Community. The request for more supports to help tackle the overdose crisis came from government only days ago, with health authorities, municipalities and other stakeholders tasked to rapidly develop and put in place ways to safely support drug users.

Along with these two sites, the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) will be stationed at 58 West Hastings starting December 13.  The MMU, In partnership with the City of Vancouver and Provincial Health Services Authority, will provide an alternative medical care unit for patients who overdose. It will create capacity in emergency departments such as St. Paul’s Hospital, which currently sees the majority of overdose patients in Vancouver, and allow paramedics to avoid waiting at the ER, freeing them up more quickly for the next 911 call.

Other sites are also planned for the coming week or so as VCH continues its work to apply for permanent supervised injection services.

More information

More details about these new services can be read on the VCH website. More information about overdoses can be seen at www.vch.ca/overdose.