Health Professionals
Health professionals and service providers have an important role to play in harm reduction. This area contains resources and other information to help those on the front line and beyond.
Information Sheets
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Naloxone
Busting Naloxone Myths
Common myths about Naloxone are busted in this resource for harm reduction coordinators.
Product Monograph - PDF
This document contains information about the naloxone manufactured by Sandos. This product may be substituted in the BC Take Home Naloxone and Facility Overdose Response Box programs during very high volume order periods. This substitute product does contain a preservative.
Naloxone and Temperature - PDF
This information provides information about naloxone exposure to heat and cold as well as storage temperature recommendations.
Naloxone Use in Pregnancy - PDF
Opioid overdose can cause anoxic brain damage and death. Administration of naloxone to a pregnant woman can save the lives of the mother and fetus. This information sheet addreses concerns about using naloxone in pregnancy.
Naloxone Use in Children - PDF
Death from unintentional drug overdose in children is preventable. Naloxone administration can save the life of a child and is safe. This information sheet addresses concerns about giving children naloxone.
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Syringes
Single Use Syringes - PDF
This document addresses common concerns expressed in regards to the use of single-use syringes in the community.
Distribution Vs Exchange - PDF
This document summarizes why the BC Harm Reduction program follows a policy of needle distribution rather than one-for-one needle exchange.
Additional Resources
For further information regarding best practices related to needle distribution, safe needle disposal and community needle stick injuries, please refer to the Best Practice Recommendations and Guideline resources posted below.
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Why Give Breaths?
Why Give Breaths? - PDF
Opioid overdose is one of a number of special situations where the American Heart Association recommends a different approach than only chest compressions. This information sheet provides information on the importance of giving breaths when responding to an opiod overdose.
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Fentanyl
Fentanyl & First Responders FAQ
Some First Responders and Health Care Workers (HCWs) are understandably worried about the risk of being exposed to unsafe levels of fentanyl and other opioids as a part of their work. We know that this risk is very small. The following Qs & As will help answer specific concerns.
Fentanyl-Induced Muscle Rigidity - PDF
Fentanyl-induced muscle rigidity, also known as “chest wall rigidity” and "wooden chest syndrome" is a complication of intravenous injection of fentanyl that has been recognized in the induction of anesthesia in hospital populations. This document provides a background as well as recommendations for by-standers as well as recommendations for safer substance use.
Fentanyl & Cannabis
The media has reported public concerns about the potential for fentanyl being in cannabis products, such as however there have been no confirmed cases to date. There was a misunderstanding of a report by Masset RCMP that cited “concerns raised by community” but was not confirmed. This was unfortunately repeated by the BC Premier in November 2016 and subsequently refuted by police and health officials.
- Overdose Survival Guide
Best Practice, Policies and Procedures
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Guidelines and Recommendations
Best Practice Recommendations - Needle Distribution
This information sheet helps to address questions about the effectiveness of needle distribution and safe needle disposal.
Best Practice Recommendations - Safe Needle Disposal
This information sheet outlines how to safely dispose of needles.
Best Practice Recommendations - Community Needle Stick Injuries
This information sheet outlines the risks of community needle stick injuries and what to do if a needle stick injury occurs.
Reference Document - Needle Distribution, Disposal and Injury Best Practices
This document provides references to support the information sheets above related to needle distribution, safe needle disposal and community needle stick injuries.
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Overdose Prevention Sites
Washroom Checklist in Service Settings
This document provides guidance for service providers to develop safer washroom policies and protocols with a focus on overdose prevention.
Housing Overdose Prevention Site Manual
Housing Overdose Prevention Site (HOPS) Manual developed by Vancouver Coastal Health - 2018 edition.
Engaging in Overdose Prevention Conversations
Developed by Fraser Health, this resources provides some key considerations regarding conversations about overdose prevention.
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Communicating Drug Alerts
Communicating Drug Alerts
Health service providers communicate drug alerts when there is evidence to suggest an adulterated drug or drug of elevated potency is in circulation.
For futher information about communicating drug alerts, visit the BCCDC website.
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Peer Engagement
Paying Peers in Community Based Work
An overview of considerations for equitable compensation. Created in partnership with the Paying Peers Working Group - February 2018
Presentation: Peer Engagement in Harm Reduction
Peer Engagement in Harm Reduction: Development, implementation & evaluation of the Peer Engagement Best Practice Guidelines for BC Health Authorities.
Compassionate Engagement Modules
The Compassionate Engagement Modules are a series of interactive case studies about stigma and discrimination experienced by People Who Use Drugs (PWUD). These modules are designed to engage PWUD and the people who provide services to them (health care providers, frontline service providers, managers, and leadership). It works best when there are both PWUD and providers together.
Reports and Research
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Reports
THN Evaluation Report - to July 2016
Overdose Recognition and Response in the BC Take Home Naloxone Program.
Review of data up to July 2016THN Evaluation Report - to March 2015
Overdose Recognition and Response in the BC Take Home Naloxone Program.
Review of data up to March 2015
Updates for Health Professionals
