Pubdate: Thu, 08 Sep 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
Page: A1

OVERDOSE KITS OFFERED TO STUDENTS AT UBCO

Free naloxone kits aimed at saving lives of drug users

UBC Okanagan is now offering free take-home naloxone kits to help
students reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.

The new program is in response to the public health emergency declared
in April by provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall over the
increasing number of drug overdoses across B.C.

"We have not seen an increase of drug use on campus, but the risk of
drug use is significantly higher as a result of fentanyl being cut
with other drugs or being used alone," said Jean Bryans, primary
health nurse at UBCO. "We at student health services have not
responded to any drug overdoses on campus, (but) I think it would be
naive to think there aren't any students on campus that are using any
kind of illicit drugs."

Bryans stressed the program is not equivalent to a safe injection
site.

"The take-home naloxone program is just one proactive measure amongst
other harm-reduction strategies on campus," she said. "Across B.C.,
health-care providers are offering this kit to any opioid users. I
think it is prudent to be prepared." UBCO students interested in a
take-home naloxone kit must go to the health and wellness office on
campus and speak with a nurse, said Bryans.

"They would meet with me and we would discuss their issues concerning
substance use and, if appropriate, they would receive training and
education on how to use the kit," she said.

Only a small number of naloxone kits are available at UBCO for now,
said Bryans.

"We're starting very small, because we're not responding to a demand
at this point."

Along with offering the naloxone kits, UBCO is also running a
drug-awareness campaign, using posters and workshops to raise
awareness about the risks of drug use.

"I think the main issue is to be aware of the risk of drug use, given
the number of fatalities that have been recorded around the province,"
said Bryans. "The second part would be if any student or family member
or friend of someone who is using illicit substances want more
information or support, they simply have to drop in or call to make an
appointment."

The UBCO health and wellness centre is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to
Friday, and is located in Room 337 on the third floor of the
University Centre.
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MAP posted-by: Matt