Harm reduction
Keeping individuals and communities safe and healthy by preventing infections, illness and injury related to drug use and sexual practices.
Services
Keeping individuals and communities safe and healthy by preventing infections, illness and injury related to drug use and sexual practices
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) harm reduction services are a part of a comprehensive public health and addictions program that includes both prevention and treatment. Harm reduction services provide supplies for safer drug injection (needles), safer smoking (mouthpieces, push sticks) and safer sex (condoms).
Overdose response, Naloxone and training
Information and resources on how to prevent and respond to overdoses.
Learn moreThe VCH Toxic Drug Response Team
We are a team of nurses, peers and allied health professionals providing training and support in response to the toxic drug poisoning crisis across the VCH region.
We provide training, support and resources to community agencies and health care providers across the VCH region in:
- Overdose prevention and response (including Naloxone);
- Decriminalization of substances for personal use;
- Harm reduction, stigma, engaging with people who use substances;
- Clinical Support for Supervised Consumption Sites (SCS) and Overdose Prevention Sites and Services (OPS) in the community.
Resources
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How to administer naloxone
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Harm reduction supplies site finder
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Lifeguard app
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Toxic drugs: ideas to stay alive
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Monthly Public Naloxone Trainings Monthly public naloxone trainings
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Moms Stop the Harm
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Nexus and Odyssey (youth substance use counseling)
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Urban Native Youth Association
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Navigating grief and loss (BCCSU guide)
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Parents Together
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Resources for health professionals and service providers
Visit our substance use and harm reduction resources for health professionals and service providers for specific resources and training for all frontline staff and health professionals.