Harm Reduction Perspectives Timeline

A history of harm reduction perspectives in BC and beyond.

Harm Reduction Supply Distribution in BC

A history of harm reduction supply distribution in BC

Opioid Substitution (Agonist) Treatment in BC

A timeline of Opioid Substitution (Agonist) Treatment in BC

History of the Take Home Naloxone Program

A history of the Take Home Naloxone program in British Columbia

Do I Keep Giving Naloxone?

Naloxone Distribution and Youth Duty to Report

Naloxone FAQ

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

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.

Teligent Product Info Sheet - Non Prescription Naloxone

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. 

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.

Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines Mixed in the Illicit Drug Supply in BC

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. 

Benzos found in Opioids in BC - for Health Professionals

This summary sheet for health professionals provides information on the prevalence of benzos in opioids in British Columbia as well as drug checking, clinical considerations and additional resources.

Responding to an opioid overdose with benzos or etizolam

The following information outlines how benzos or benzo-like substances can complicate and delay opioid overdose response, and what to do if these substances are involved. 

Etizolam in BC's Illicit Drug Market - Fact Sheet

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

Alert! Benzos on the Rise in Illicit Opioid Overdoses in BC

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. 

Potent sedatives in opioids in BC: implications for resuscitation,and benzos/etizolam withdrawal

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. 

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.  

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.

Levamisole Information Sheet

This information sheets provides an overview of Levamisole, how to tell if may be in substances, and healthcare recommendations for the general public. 

Levamisole Information Sheet for Healthcare Professionals

This information sheet for healthcare professionals provides an overview of what levamisole is, the link with cocaine, a summary of typical presentationsand findings, risks and recommended care

Xylazine

Harm Reduction Strategies and Services Policy and Guidelines

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

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 Recommendation - Community Needle Stick Injury - French

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. 

Best Practice Recommendations - Opioid Overdose and Prevention

Best Practice Recommendations - Canadian Harm Reduction Programs

Decision Support Tool for Nurses - Administration of Naloxone

Guidance Statement regarding Personal Protective Equipment

Supervised Consumption Services Operational Guidance

Developed by the BC Centre on Substance Use

Peer Payment Standards - For Short-Term Engagements (Full Colour Version)

Guidelines for Providing Harm Reduction Services to Youth in BC

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.

BCCDC Opioid Overdose Response Toolkit (Dec 2020)

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.

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.

BC Overdose Prevention Services Guide

Overdose Prevention Site Manual - Fraser Health Authority

Engaging in Overdose Prevention Conversations

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

Overdose Prevention Site Manual - Vancouver Coastal Health

Overdose Prevention Checklist

Overdose prevention and response protocol recommendations.

Community Impacts of Overdose Prevention Sites: An Evidence Review

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

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.

 

Peer Work Community Research Report

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

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.

Language Matters Poster

Guidelines to using non-stigmatizing language.

Peer Engagement Principles and Best Practices - Full Color Version

Peer Engagement Principles and Best Practices - Printer Friendly Version

Peer Engagement Principles and Best Practices - Mini Version

Paying Peers in Community Based Work

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

Peer Payment Standards - For Short-Term Engagements (Full Colour Version)

Full Colour Version

Peer Payment Standards for Short-Term Engagements (Printer Friendly)

Printer Friendly Version

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.

How to Involve People Who Use Drugs

Respectful Language and Stigma Regarding People who Use Substances

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. 

 

Research Brief: Meaning and Motivation of Work for Peers in Overdose Response Environments in BC

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). 

Implementation and role of a staff naloxone program for non-profit community-based sites in BC

Research Brief - Naloxone Distribution in BC and The Role of Community Pharmacies

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

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. 

GSDOA Policy Brief Summary

GSDOA Policy Brief Report

THN Program Evaluation Report - To Dec 2020

Naloxone is Not Enough: Letters from the Heart of the Crisis (June 2021)

History of the Harm Reduction Supply Program in BC

History of Peer Engagement in the BCCDC Harm Reduction Program

BC Harm Reduction Client Survey Background and Findings Report (May 2021)

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

HRSS Indicators Report 2019 (July 2020)

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

THN Evaluation Report - to December 2018

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

THN Evaluation Report - to December 2018_Greyscale

Evaluation 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.  

PEEP - Final Report_June2019

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

HRSS Indicators Report (2016)

Evaluation of BC THN in Corrections (Oct 2016)

THN Evaluation Report - to July 2016

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

THN Evaluation Report - to March 2015

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

THN Evaluation Summary - to March 2015

Summary of the THN Evaluation Report - to March 2015