Dear editor,
Re: Reader appalled that government supports safe injection sites (Aug. 24 Record)
Data from the BC Coroner Service indicates that 160 people died of drug overdoses on Vancouver Island in 2016.
In April 2016, provincial health officer Perry Kendall declared an unprecedented public health state of emergency due to the significant increase in drug-related overdose deaths. This was the first time the provincial health officer has exercised emergency powers and also made BC the first province to take this kind of action in response to the overdose crisis.
In 2017, Central Vancouver Island saw a greater than 50 per cent increase in illicit drug overdose death rates compared to 2016. As a response to the staggering and increased number of preventable deaths in the Comox Valley, AIDS Vancouver Island has been operating an Overdose Prevention Room at our office on 6th Street.
We do this with the support of the provincial government, Island Health, our landlord, and dozens of community members who believe that people who use illicit drugs deserve to access life-saving dignified healthcare services.
During the time that our service has been open, our staff have provided space and support for over 40 individuals to use their substances in as safe a way as possible. There have been over 125 visits to our site and some individuals have experienced overdose during their time in our room. Our staff were able to respond to those overdoses with first aid, including the use of naloxone. To date, there have been no overdose deaths at our overdose prevention site, nor have we received any complaints of public disorder in relation to the operation of our service.
In fact, our staff and volunteers have improved safety in the surrounding area by conducting regular needle pick-ups and providing education to community members.
It seems that many, including the government, understand what Mary-Ellen Bergvinson does not: health care services are a human right and people who use illicit substances deserve access to health care that meets their needs, promotes their health, and protects their dignity. The evidence is clear- providing space for people who use illicit drugs promotes health and healing and makes our communities safer for all.
Kristen Kvakic,
MSW director of programs
AIDS Vancouver Island