Kamloops receives overdose prevention funding, support

Feb 1, 2018 | 11:04 AM

KAMLOOPS —The provincial government announced the next step in its response to B.C.’s devastating opioid crisis Thursday.

Eighteen of the hardest hit ommunities in the province — including Kamloops — will receive the support of “on-the-ground community action teams (CAT) and dedicated funding as part of government’s escalated response to the overdose crisis.”

These communities will receive up to $100,000 in one-time funding from the Overdose Emergency Respononse Centre’s Community Action Team Grants. The government says the money will target resources where they are needed most. Other initiatives may include supports such as treatment and housing for people at risk of overdose.

In total, the province will dedicate $3 million in funding — $1.5 million from the OERC Community Action Team Grants and another $1.5 million to all B.C. communities through a Community Crisis Response Grants application process.