(Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By The Canadian Press

OVERDOSE CRISIS

Advocacy group calling on BC Government to support creation of safe drug supply

Sep 1, 2019 | 4:13 PM

VANCOUVER — A group whose members have experienced illicit drug use is urging the BC government to support the creation of a safe drug supply – the aim being to prevent deaths from drugs spiked with lethal ingredients such as fentanyl and carfentanil.

The BC Yukon Association of Drug War Survivors is asking the province to enact an order that provides a legal framework for drug buyers clubs – starting with heroin.

Association president Kevin Donaghy says club members would make bulk purchases from the safest available supply to ensure better quality control in the distribution of heroin.

BC declared a public health emergency in 2016 following significant increases in opioid-related overdose deaths -and in the past three-and-a-half years, more than 4,500 people have died from drug overdoses in the province.

The office of Judy Darcy, BC’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, didn’t respond specifically when asked about heroin buyers clubs.

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But a spokesperson said in an email that the Ministry is “actively looking at expanding legal prescription alternatives to the toxic drug supply that can be provided under medical supervision to save lives.”

(The Canadian Press)