18 Dec Harm Reduction Interventions

As many of you may be aware, there has been increasing politicization of the evidence around key harm reduction interventions across the country, with a particular focus on safer supply programs. Alongside this, there are strong indications that funding for 21 of the 24 SUAP-funded prescribed safer supply programs in Canada will not be renewed as of March 31st, 2024.  

Below is a link to add your name to a letter addressed to the federal Ministers of Health, and Mental Health and Addictions: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BBVPFJD 

Written by several researchers, nurse practitioners and physicians, this letter highlights the current evidence base on safer supply, the need for continuing research in this area (including research on the scale and impacts of diversion of safer supply medications), as well as the potential dangers from cutting funding to safer supply programs. 

The letter calls for the federal and provincial governments to: 

1.      Work together to ensure stable and ongoing funding for currently operating prescribed safer supply programs and scale-up programs in areas of high need. 

2.      Support research and evaluation of prescribed safer supply to ensure that this intervention is being provided in a way that is safe and effective for individuals and their communities, and decisions regarding safer supply are evidence-based.

3.      Engage in collaboration with people who use drugs to develop new programming to deliver a regulated drug supply, in line with recent recommendations from the Chief Coroner of BC Lisa Lapointe.