Pubdate: Sat, 26 Dec 2015 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2015 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.timescolonist.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: P.A. Wilkin Page: A17 DRUG OVERDOSE DEATHS CAN BE PREVENTED Re: "3 potential drug deaths in 2 days hit Victoria area," Dec. 23. The recent rise in overdose deaths in Victoria highlights once again the urgent need for a safe, supervised consumption site within the city. Staff in downtown fast-food outlets and security positions should receive training in overdose-response protocols, as well as recognizing the signs and symptoms of a potential overdose. These deaths are preventable. Nobody should have to die in the stairwell of a parking garage, or alone in their homes when it is within our reach to support a harm-reduction response to drug use and thus prevent unnecessary drug-related deaths. The time is now to act, and without needless delays. P.A. Wilkin Harm-reduction worker Victoria - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom