The province is implementing a safe supply policy to curb increasing drug toxicity deaths across B.C. (The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

toxic drug crisis

Provincial safer supply expanding to curb skyrocketing drug toxicity deaths

Jul 15, 2021 | 1:08 PM

NANAIMO — Health authorities across the province will soon be able to offer pharmaceutical-grade drugs in a bid to shut out a toxic drug supply in B.C.

The provincial government is budgeting $22.6 million in funding over three years to support a prescriber model initiative offered through clinical settings or other authority-run programs.

A handful of sites are already prescribing safe alternatives but are at capacity. The new funding will expand the work across B.C.

“Once fully implemented, more people who use illicit drugs can be prescribed a broader range of safer alternatives covered by pharmacare, including a range of opioids and stimulants as determined by each program and prescriber,” Sheila Malcolmson, minister of mental health and addictions and Nanaimo MLA, said.

A record of 1,728 overdose deaths in British Columbia was matched by a similarly-historic year in Nanaimo, where 39 people lost their lives. It marked the second highest tally ever in a calendar year for the region.

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Nanaimo paramedics also responded to a record number of overdose calls in 2020.

Fentanyl is the primary focus of the program as the drug dominates almost all other opioids in the supply, with more people continuing to seek it out to avoid withdrawal.

It is also being found at more toxic levels and in higher concentrations, further driving the toxic drug crisis.

“This toxic drug supply is putting people who use drugs at extremely high risk for overdose, for the complications of that and for death,” Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, said. “Expanding access to safer supply will save lives.”

Fentanyl patches, similar to nicotine patches for those quitting smoking, are among many tools available for health care workers. Users can also ween off street fentanyl and onto safer alternatives under careful monitoring.

Case studies on fentanyl patches showed improved health in the subject which led to better access to housing and income supports.

Those who stayed on treatment also severely reduced or cut their drug usage which had ripple effects to overall community health.

The goal of a safer supply will be to reduce overdose injuries and deaths by removing drug toxicity and encouraging use in a safer, monitored environment.

There would be no expectation someone using the safe supply program would enter treatment, however those deemed at risk of overdose are assessed by healthcare professionals.

Plans from each health authority, including Island Health, on how to enact this policy is due to the province by the end of July.

Once programs and services are up and running, a monitoring program over 18 to 24 months will determine next steps with a possibility of including supports for various stimulants in addition to opioids.

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