A history of harm reduction perspectives in BC and beyond.

A history of harm reduction supply distribution in BC

A timeline of Opioid Substitution (Agonist) Treatment in BC

A history of the Take Home Naloxone program in British Columbia

This document addresses frequently asked questions related to the drug Naloxone, which is provided through the BCCDC's Take Home Naloxone program. 

This document addresses concerns with pre-loading naloxone into syringes for administration.

This information provides information about naloxone exposure to heat and cold as well as storage temperature recommendations.

This document contains information about the naloxone manufactured by Teligent. This product is included in the BC Take Home Naloxone and Facility Overdose Response Box programs. This product does not contain a preservative.   

This document contains information about the naloxone manufactured by Sandoz. This product is the secondary (back-up) product periodically included in the BC Take Home Naloxone and Facility Overdose Response Box programs. This product contains preservative. All sites will be notified if/when this product is used.

This document contains information about the non-prescription naloxone manufactured by Teligent. This product is included in the BC Take Home Naloxone and Facility Overdose Response Box programs. This product is the same formulation as the Teligent prescription product, labelling differs to identify regulatory differences. This product does not contain a preservative. 

This information sheet for the general public provides information about withdrawal from benzos and benzo-like substances as it can be serious and require medical attention. 

This fact sheet provides information on etizolam and its presence in British Columbia's Illicit Drug Market. 

This article, written by Dr. Jessica Moe and published on the BC Emergency Network, outlines the prevelance of benzos in illicit opioids in BC and provides suggestions and resources for health care providers. 

This article, written by Purssell R, Buxton J, Godwin J, Moe J and published in BCMJ, provides information on implications for resuscitation, and benzodiazepine and etizolam withdrawal. 

This document addresses common concerns expressed in regards to the use of single-use syringes in the community.

This document summarizes why the BC Harm Reduction program follows a policy of needle distribution rather than one-for-one needle exchange.

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.  

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.

Newly updated (2022) Harm Reduction Strategies and Services Policy and Guidelines

This information sheet helps to address questions about the effectiveness of needle distribution and safe needle disposal. 

This information sheet outlines how to safely dispose of needles. 

This information sheet outlines the risks of community needle stick injuries and what to do if a needle stick injury occurs. 

This document provides references to support the information sheets above related to needle distribution, safe needle disposal and community needle stick injuries. 

Developed by the BC Centre on Substance Use

Guidelines for providing harm reduction services to youth in BC. This information also exists as Appendix 3 of the HRSS Policy and Guidelines. Last updated October, 2023.

The opioid overdose response toolkit is intended for all service providers, including regulated and non-regulated service providers and paramedics, who are responding to opioid overdoses across British Columbia (BC). This toolkit does not replace workplace or employer overdose response (e.g., naloxone) policies and procedures; and does not apply to naloxone dispensation.

This document provides guidance about implementing temporary Overdose Prevention Services (OPS) at onsite meetings or events where attendees may use substances and be at risk of overdose.

This document provides guidance for service providers to develop safer washroom policies and protocols with a focus on overdose prevention. 

Housing Overdose Prevention Site (HOPS) Manual developed by Vancouver Coastal Health - 2018 edition.

Developed by Fraser Health, this resources provides some key considerations regarding conversations about overdose prevention.

Overdose prevention and response protocol recommendations.

This document summarizes a review of evidence related to the community impacts of overdose prevention services. 

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.

Findings and recommendations from BC's Peer Engagement and Evaluation Project. 

The purpose of the peer hiring meeting was to gather feedback and input from peers, harm reduction coordinators and other health authority staff about the hiring of Indigenous Regional Peer Coordinators in each health authority to engage and support existing and emerging peer networks within their regions. This report highlights specific calls to action from the Truth and Reconcilliation Commision Report.

Guidelines to using non-stigmatizing language.

An overview of considerations for equitable compensation. Created in partnership with the Paying Peers Working Group - February 2018

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Peer Engagement in Harm Reduction: Development, implementation & evaluation of the Peer Engagement Best Practice Guidelines for BC Health Authorities.

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.

Health Officer's Council Resolution 145-03: Increasing Compassion and Inclusion in Harm Reduction Services. 

A research summary on the meaning and motivation of work for peers in overdose response settings based on data from eight focus groups conducted by the Peer2Peer research (November 2020). 

A research summary on accessing THN in BC and the role of community pharmacies: results from the analysis of adminsitrative data (Sept 2020). 

A summary from recent program evaluations on the Facility Overdose Response Box Program and the expansion of Take Home Naloxone in community pharmacies (Nov 2019). 

The intent of this needs assessment was to engage with the wider community to identify what is needed in order to increase access to lower barrier services for no-cost supplies for intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) injections. This included ways the BCCDC can improve access to harm reduction supplies and services for the gender diverse, trans, and Two-Spirit communities.

In response to requests from drug user and harm reduction communities across the province, this needs assessment was conducted to gain insight into the educational needs of people working in the field. 

This report provides an overview of background and findings of the BC harm reduction client survey throughout the years.

BC Harm Reduction Strategies and Services (HRSS) Committee Policy Indicators Report including data until December 2019.

Overdose Recognition and Response in the BC Take Home Naloxone Program.
Review of data up to December 2018

An evaluation of British Columbia's Take Home Naloxone Program in Community Pharmacies

An evaluation of British Columbia's Facility Overdose Response Box (FORB) program.

Suggested Citation: Williams, S., Lewis-King, T., & Buxton, J.A. (2019). Evaluation of British Columbia’s Facility Overdose Response Box (FORB) Program. Vancouver, BC. BC Centre for Disease Control.  

Final Report for the Peer Engagement and Evaluation Project (PEEP). 

Overdose Recognition and Response in the BC Take Home Naloxone Program.
Review of data up to July 2016

Overdose Recognition and Response in the BC Take Home Naloxone Program.
Review of data up to March 2015

Summary of the THN Evaluation Report - to March 2015