Pubdate: Wed, 24 Feb 2016
Source: Daily Courier, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/531
Author: Andrea Peacock
Page: A1

SAFE INJECTION SITES MULLED

Rise in Fentanyl Overdoses Has Interior Health Considering Supervised 
Injection Services in Region

Interior Health is considering supervised injection services in the 
region in response to a spike in fentanyl overdoses.

"We are in the very early stages of exploring the feasibility of 
providing this kind of service," said Dr. Trevor Corneil, chief 
medical officer with Interior Health, in a statement. "We believe 
(safe injection services) are a valuable harm-reduction tool to help 
reduce the risk for those living with substance abuse problems."

Interior Health is not the only health authority in the province 
looking at expanding safe injection services.

Health authorities in Vancouver and Victoria have begun discussions 
about providing the services in clinics already helping people with addictions.

"We just see that offering supervised injection services is a more 
viable way to prevent some of the harm that's being caused right 
now," said Dr. Mark Lysyshyn of Vancouver Coastal Health.

The BC Coroners Service has said overdose deaths are rising in the 
province and a growing portion are linked to fentanyl, a potent 
synthetic that is often cut with other drugs.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom