A Low-Barrier and Comprehensive Community-Based Harm-Reduction Site in Vancouver, Canada
Michelle Olding, Andrew Ivsins, Samara Mayer, Alex Betsos, Jade Boyd, Christy Sutherland, Coco Culbertson, Thomas Kerr, Ryan McNeil
Abstract
"The Molson" is a low-barrier, peer-staffed, supervised consumption site located in Vancouver, Canada. In addition to overdose response, this site offers drug checking and a colocated injectable hydromorphone treatment program, and it distributes tablet and liquid hydromorphone to service users at high risk of overdose. Our evaluation suggests benefits of this program in creating service continuums and preventing overdose deaths. From September 2017 to August 2019, the site had 128 944 visits, reversed 770 overdoses, and had no overdose deaths.
Topics & Concepts
HydromorphoneHarm reductionMedicineDrug overdoseMedical emergencyPoison controlEnvironmental healthEmergency medicinePublic healthNursingOpioidReceptorInternal medicineOpioid Use Disorder TreatmentHIV, Drug Use, Sexual RiskForensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis