Pathways | Overdose Prevention & Supervised Consumption [Island Health Authority Area]

Overdose Prevention & Supervised Consumption [Island Health Authority Area]

Addictions / Substance Use, Public Health, and Sexual Health

Provided by Island Health

Supervised intravenous drug injection site designed to be accessible to injection drug users

The program provides clean, safe environments where people can use substances under the supervision of trained staff without the risk of arrest for drug possession. These sites help reduce disease transmission, reduce fatal overdoses, and help connect people to health care services, including treatment.

Supervised consumption and overdose prevention sites offer a wide range of complementary health services including:
- Distribution of supplies for safer injection
- Education on safe injection technique and infection prevention
- Overdose prevention and intervention
- Medical and counselling services
- Referrals to substance use treatment
- Connection to housing and other support services
- Drug checking

These designated spaces, integrated into existing social service or health care settings or in newly established locations, provide on-site monitoring for people at risk of overdose and allow for rapid response when an overdose occurs.

Each site provides various levels of services, including overdose prevention education and Take Home Naloxone training and distribution. Some sites may also distribute harm reduction supplies (such as sterile needles, filters, cookers, condoms, etc.) offer safe disposal options, and facilitate referrals to mental health and substance use services.

Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) Navigation Link for Clients/Patients: This service link central access phone number will provide help for clients navigating Island Health services for substance use, harm reduction and mental health. People seeking these services can call 1-888-885-8824 to speak directly with a Service Link provider. (This is not a line for health professionals to initiate a referral).

Website: https://www.islandhealth.ca/our...

250-287-9969 (Campbell River)

Vancouver Island Mental Health Society - #5, 1330 Dogwood Street, Campbell River, British Columbia, V9W 3A6

250-331-8524 (Courtenay) ext. 68545

941C England Avenue, Courtenay, British Columbia

250-338-7400 (Courtenay)

Toll Free: 1-877-311-7400

Website: https://avi.org/our-services/comox...

Comox Valley AVI – AIDS Vancouver Island - 355 6th Street, Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 1M2

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Friday - Sunday 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

250-597-7779 (Cowichan Valley)

Website: https://www.islandhealth.ca/about-us...