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.
Timelines
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Harm Reduction Timelines
Opioid Substitution (Agonist) Treatment in BC
A timeline of Opioid Substitution (Agonist) Treatment in BC
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Naloxone Timeline
History of the Take Home Naloxone Program
A history of the Take Home Naloxone program in British Columbia
Information Sheets
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Naloxone
Naloxone FAQ
This document addresses frequently asked questions related to the drug Naloxone, which is provided through the BCCDC's Take Home Naloxone program.
Busting Naloxone Myths
Common myths about Naloxone are busted in this resource for harm reduction coordinators.
Naloxone Pre-Loading Concerns
This document addresses concerns with pre-loading naloxone into syringes for administration.
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 person can save the lives of the pregnant person and fetus. This information sheet addresses 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.
Product Monograph - Teligent
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.
Product Monograph - Sandoz
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.
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Fentanyl
Fentanyl and First Responders
This resource addresses common questions about the risk of fentanyl exposure to first responders and health care workers
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.
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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.
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
Best Practice Recommendations for Overdose Prevention at Meetings and Events
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.
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
Peer Hiring Meeting Report 2019
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.
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.
HOC Resolution: Increasing Compassion & Inclusion in Harm Reduction
Health Officer's Council Resolution 145-03: Increasing Compassion and Inclusion in Harm Reduction Services.
There is No Authority but Yourself: Drug User Group Starter Pack
Please refer to https://towardtheheart.com/peer-engagement for a detailed description of this document and its intended use.
Reports and Research
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Research
Naloxone Program Evaluations Summary (2019)
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).
Needs Assessment - Gender Affirming Supply Distribution
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.
Needs Assessment - Harm Reduction Curriculum
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.
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Reports
THN Evaluation Report - to December 2018
Overdose Recognition and Response in the BC Take Home Naloxone Program.
Review of data up to December 2018Evaluation of THN in Pharmacies
An evaluation of British Columbia's Take Home Naloxone Program in Community Pharmacies
FORB Program Evaluation Report
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.
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
