Close X
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
ADVT 
National

Emergency Task Force Calls For Safe Supply Of Drugs In Vancouver To Prevent ODs

The Canadian Press, 18 Dec, 2018 07:47 PM
  • Emergency Task Force Calls For Safe Supply Of Drugs In Vancouver To Prevent ODs

Vancouver's mayor says he will direct staff to look for sites where drug users can access safe opioids to prevent overdoses as part of a plan recommended by an emergency task force calling for more services for people who are dying alone.


Kennedy Stewart says the number of overdose deaths has remained about the same as last year despite the best efforts of front-line workers, first responders and health professionals who seem to be fighting a losing battle.


The sites where hydromorphone may be supplied are part of an approved research project involving the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, which had already suggested making the opioid available in vending machines.


Dr. Patricia Daly, the chief medical health officer for Vancouver Coastal Health and a member of the task force, says more people are dying alone in the city than elsewhere in the province because of the high number of single-room occupancy hotels and shelters, and they need alarm systems, apps or other ways to get help.


Stewart formed the task force last month shortly after taking office.


He says the report that also calls for $2.7 million in funding from the province and $770,000 from the federal government will go before city council on Thursday for approval.


The B.C. Coroners Service recorded 369 deaths in Vancouver last year and by September this year, 297 people had died.


Stewart says he has discussed Vancouver's overdose crisis with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who seemed to be deeply sympathetic about the issue.

MORE National ARTICLES

Police Confirm Six Students Arrested, Charged In St. Michael's Probe

TORONTO — Six teens were arrested and charged Monday in connection with an alleged sexual assault at an all-boys private school in Toronto as police said they were looking into more incidents and additional charges could follow.

Police Confirm Six Students Arrested, Charged In St. Michael's Probe

Sophisticated Phishing Scams Putting Secrets At Risk, Foreign Affairs Says

Sophisticated Phishing Scams Putting Secrets At Risk, Foreign Affairs Says
OTTAWA — Canada's Foreign Affairs Department says too many of its employees are being deceived by digital scams — a "serious problem" that could see sensitive information end up in the wrong hands.

Sophisticated Phishing Scams Putting Secrets At Risk, Foreign Affairs Says

B.C. Holds Vote For Favourite Fossil After Museum Gets 18,000 Donated

B.C. Holds Vote For Favourite Fossil After Museum Gets 18,000 Donated
COURTENAY, B.C. — British Columbians who haven't yet marked their ballots in a referendum on electoral reform could distract themselves a little longer by voting for an official fossil symbol for the province.

B.C. Holds Vote For Favourite Fossil After Museum Gets 18,000 Donated

Grassroots Video Rants And Braveheart Spoofs Engage B.C. Referendum Voters

VICTORIA — Homemade videos by a Vancouver filmmaker featuring scenes of his toddler's escapades and shots of a friend's Pomeranian named Nacho are fast becoming the indie hit of British Columbia's electoral reform referendum.

Grassroots Video Rants And Braveheart Spoofs Engage B.C. Referendum Voters

Stepson Of British Columbia's Agriculture Minister Dies Of Overdose

Lana Popham posted about Dan Sealey's death on Facebook.

Stepson Of British Columbia's Agriculture Minister Dies Of Overdose

Richmond RCMP officer Dragged By Vehicle At Traffic Stop Suffers 'Significant Injuries'

Richmond RCMP officer Dragged By Vehicle At Traffic Stop Suffers 'Significant Injuries'

RICHMOND, B.C. — RCMP say an officer in Richmond, B.C., has "significant injuries&...

Richmond RCMP officer Dragged By Vehicle At Traffic Stop Suffers 'Significant Injuries'