By Pete McIntyre / Beach Radio Vernon

Vernon overdose prevention site process put on hold

Apr 8, 2019 | 2:57 PM

VERNON, B.C. — Interior Health is putting the brakes on plans for an overdose prevention site in Vernon.

The health agency issued a release today saying it’s decided to pause the Request for Proposal process to allow further consultation.

“While we hope to avoid any delay in implementing this important service, our goal is to establish a successful overdose prevention service that meets the needs of diverse community groups,” says the release.

IH will be seeking input from key stakeholders about how the service is designed, and intends to repost the RFP in the near future.

“As originally planned, the implementation date and location for the services will be determined through the procurement process.”

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The agency had earlier hoped to open a site in Vernon this summer at an undetermined site.

IH posted a Request for Proposals on March 27th to solicit interest from proponents for the delivery of overdose prevention services in Vernon, including a fixed overdose prevention site.

The idea received push back from members of City council and the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, with concerns about where it would be located, and some critics asking if such a facility was even needed in the city.

Overdose prevention sites provide designated spaces to monitor people who use drugs and ensure that Naloxone and other lifesaving first aid is available in the event of an overdose. Unlike supervised consumption (injection) sites, overdose prevention sites do not require an application for exemption from federal drug laws.

There are currently more than 30 overdose prevention and supervised consumption sites operating in BC including in Kamloops and Kelowna.