The continued rise in overdose deaths from toxic drugs in B.C. has prompted the development of innovative programs in an attempt to save lives.
The Safer Alternative for Emergency Response (SAFER) program – a collaboration between Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), PHS Community Services Society (PHS) and the BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) – provides a flexible and low-barrier supply of pharmaceutical-grade opioids to those in greatest need.
“This innovative and evidence generating program integrates harm reduction, addiction medicine, public health and social services to help those at greatest risk of dying from an overdose," says Dr. Lysyshyn.
He goes on to say that, based on initial informal assessments, the program has the potential to increase the options for helping people who use illicit substances. “SAFER can be an effective alternative to conventional forms of treatment and harm reduction which may not have worked for people in the past."
VCH and others have been advocating for safer supply initiatives to provide alternatives to the contaminated illegal drug supply, as B.C. experiences record numbers of overdose deaths. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the already rampant overdose crisis, as people found themselves using increasingly toxic drugs in isolation.
Dr. Mark Lysyshyn
As of June 2022, there were 60 participants enrolled in the SAFER program, which is located at 73 East Hastings Street in Vancouver. The program is targeted to people in Vancouver who are at risk of overdose from accessing toxic street drugs, but do not qualify for, or have not benefited from, other available treatments.
Dr. Lysyshyn points out that people who use substances often face stigma, including when they interact with the health care system, and suggests a patient and considerate approach be taken when dealing with them.
“It is critical that health care professionals provide kind and compassionate care to people suffering from addictions, and connect them with the services that are right for them," says Dr. Lysyshyn.
The SAFER program will be rigorously evaluated by the BCCSU to assess the impacts of this model, generating evidence that will inform program delivery and the development of clinical guidance to support other prescribed safer supply programs in B.C.
