Pubdate: Fri, 12 Aug 2016
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Abbotsford News
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Tyler Olsen

ABBOTSFORD COUNCIL TO DISCUSS HARM-REDUCTION INITIATIVES IN FALL

Braun says too early to say if safe injection site desired

As communities around British Columbia continue to see startling
numbers of opioid overdoses, Abbotsford council will discuss ongoing
harm-reduction policies in the city this fall, Mayor Henry Braun said.

But while the mayors of two Interior cities have come out in support
of supervised injection sites in their communities, Braun said he
doesn't want to weigh in on such facilities in Abbotsford before
council analyzes the issue.

The mayors of both Kelowna and Kamloops said this week that they would
welcome a supervised sites in their respective cities as their
regional health authority considers setting up such a facility.

Fraser Health is also exploring potential sites for possible
supervised drug-use facilities, but haven't approached any
municipalities.

Braun - who voted in favour of a 2014 resolution that removed a
citywide prohibition on harm-reduction services - said council won't
weigh in on such a facility unless asked by Fraser Health. In such a
case, he said he would have a variety of questions.

He acknowledged that studies show that the sites do save lives, but
said other services are also badly needed.

"Safe injection sites keep people alive, but what happens after that?
Is that the end?" Braun asked. "We have to ask, 'What is the next step?' "

Last month, Jesse Wegenast, who co-ordinates harm-reduction services
for The 5 and 2 Ministries, told The News there is a large need for
such a facility in Abbotsford.

Through the first six months of 2016, 16 people died in Abbotsford
from opioid overdoses. That puts 2016 on track to top the grisly death
count from 2015, when 24 people died from overdoses.

By comparison, 19 and 22 people have suffered fatal overdoses in
Kelowna and Kamloops, respectively.

Meanwhile, an event is planned at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium on
Aug. 31 in recognition of Overdose Awareness Day.

Health professionals, first responders and other community members
will hear from several speakers, including Fraser Health medical
officer Dr. Andrew Larder, mental health clinical specialist Mark
Goheen, and infectious disease specialist Dr. John Farley.

The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To RSVP, email  call 604-746-3301.

Meanwhile, Fraser Health is embarking on a social media and poster
campaign to persuade drug users to take more precautions.

"It is important to note that these individuals include not only
people who use drugs regularly but also those who use drugs on a
recreational basis," said chief medical health officer Dr. Victoria
Lee.

"In addition, people report taking a variety of drugs including, but
not limited to, heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy
and GHB. At this time, we are warning people that all drugs may be
contaminated with lethal substances."

She said up to 70 per cent of overdose deaths in the region are
related to fentanyl, but "we are seeing very diverse substances" in
overdose patients who arrive at local hospitals.

More information can be found online at fraserhealth.ca/overdose.

Fraser Health's advice to people who use drugs, and to their friends
and families:

- - If you are using drugs, do testers and go slow.

- - If you are using drugs, have a buddy you can trust with you who is
sober, able to recognize the signs of an overdose, and willing to call
for medical help if you need it.

- - If you are using drugs alone, tell someone before you use, leave the
door unlocked and have someone check on you.

- - If you are using drugs, it is strongly advised not to mix multiple
substances, including alcohol. Mixing opioids with downers or opioids
with uppers puts you at higher risk of overdose.

- - with files from Jeff Nagel
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt