Analysis of the “Check Effect”
We conducted a study to assess how income assistance payments can affect illicit drug overdose deaths, using mortality data for BC over a period of 5 years. During 2009–2013, 1343 deaths were reported with 394 occurring during cheque weeks and 949 occurring during non-cheque weeks.
We found average weekly mortality due to illicit drug overdose was 40% higher during weeks of income assistance payments compared to weeks without. Consistent increases in mortality appeared the day after cheque disbursement and were significantly higher for two days, and marginally higher after 3 days.
In July 2016, the study findings were published in The International Journal of Drug Policy. Read the article >>
Peer Engagement & Evaluation Project (PEEP)
Meet the peeps
In our last e-zine, we announced the launch of this innovative initiative to ensure everyone in British Columbia has equal access to harm reduction services. The goal of PEEP is to establish a peer engagement network with best practice recommendations so service providers can work with peers in their communities to better meet local needs.
We have new resources, publications and presentations to announce:
A guide to paying peers
(May 2016)
The role of peers – Primer for BC Overdose Action Exchange meeting
(June 9, 2016)
Peer engagement in harm reduction strategies and services: a critical case study and evaluation framework from British Columbia, Canada
(Paper published in BMC Public Health – May 2016)
PEEPing into the lives of people who use drugs and understanding how their experiences are shaped by provider attitudes
(Presentation at CPHA Conference - June 2016)
You can find all these materials and more in the PEEP section of the BCCDC website.
NALOXONE VIDEO CREDITS
We would like to gratefully acknowledge all the wonderful peers and youth who helped create the new Take Home Naloxone training videos! Not to mention our fabulous production team and all the support we've received from colleagues and more.
