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Government of Canada supports four safer drug supply projects in British Columbia Français (Dr. Juilo Montaner, BC-CFE)

Dr. Julio Montaner at the Hope to Health clinic.

Life-saving initiatives will provide pharmaceutical-grade medication as alternative to toxic illegal drug supply during COVID-19 outbreak and beyond

VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 1, 2021 /CNW/ – The overdose crisis continues to be one of the most serious public health crises in Canada’s recent history. Tragically, in many communities, the COVID-19 outbreak is worsening this crisis. The Government of Canada continues to support communities across Canada as they respond to drug overdoses and harms during the outbreak.

“We are grateful for the support from the Substance Use and Addictions Program, a timely investment as we continue to battle British Columbia’s opioid overdose crisis. In this context, the expansion of safe drug supply in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver represents an important step. This program critically expands the holistic nature of the supports we offer, in collaboration with Providence Health Care and Vancouver Coastal Health, at the Hope to Health Complex. These currently include innovative primary health care, selected specialty consultative services, a dedicated oral opioid substitution program, and an ophthalmology clinic, with the ultimate goal of optimizing the control of HIV and viral hepatitis within an environment where mental health and substance use are highly prevalent.”

Dr. Julio Montaner
Executive Director and Physician-in-Chief, BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
Head, HIV/AIDS Program, St. Paul’s Hospital, Providence Health Care

Click here for the full story on Canada NewsWire.

Similar stories can be found on the following media outlets: Toronto Star, Kamloops This Week, and The Tyee news.