The tragic death of Sidney McIntyre-Starko, an 18-year-old University of Victoria (UVic) student, has rightfully prompted a coroner’s inquest and a renewed focus on overdose prevention measures. As we mourn with Sidney’s family, it is crucial to recognize that this heartbreaking incident is not an isolated case. It reflects a broader, pervasive crisis that affects individuals from all walks of life, across every community.
Opioid overdoses continue to claim lives at an alarming rate in British Columbia and beyond. Sidney’s story is a painful reminder of the importance of having the right tools and training readily accessible to prevent such tragedies. Naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, is one of the most powerful tools we have in this fight. However, it is only effective if it is available and administered promptly.
Sidney’s parents have called for improved access to naloxone on post-secondary campuses and mandatory training on naloxone and harm reduction. Their advocacy highlights a critical need: the availability of life-saving tools and education should not be limited to specific areas or individuals. It must be a widespread, integrated part of our community safety protocols.
The New PPE has always championed the importance of equipping every workplace with naloxone kits and providing comprehensive training on their use. We believe that lifesaving measures should be a collective responsibility. Whether on a university campus, construction site, or any other environment, everyone deserves access to the tools and knowledge that could save lives.
Moreover, this issue transcends the boundaries of campuses and workplaces. It affects our friends, family members, and neighbors. The opioid crisis knows no socioeconomic bounds, and neither should our efforts to combat it. We must ensure that naloxone kits and training are as ubiquitous as fire extinguishers and CPR knowledge.
Sidney’s death, like the thousands of others lost to opioid overdoses, was preventable. By advocating for broader access to naloxone and comprehensive harm reduction training, we can honor her memory and work towards a future where such tragedies are less frequent. Let’s come together as a community to support these life-saving initiatives and ensure that everyone, regardless of where they are, has the resources they need to respond to an overdose.
At The New PPE, we remain dedicated to our mission of pioneering protection for everyone. We invite you to join us in this critical endeavor. Together, we can create safer environments and prevent future losses in our communities.
If you or someone you know needs support, naloxone kits and training are available through various community organizations and health centers. Let’s make sure that no one is denied the care they need. Please refer to the resources below:
Resources for Substance Use Support in British Columbia
British Columbia offers a wide range of resources for individuals dealing with substance use disorders. Here are some key options:
Government and Health Authority Resources
- BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services:
- Provides specialized treatment for severe mental health and substance use issues.
- Offers services such as the Provincial Substance Use Beds for Adults, which include structured, supportive treatment for severe substance use addiction and mental health support.
- HealthLink BC:
- Offers a 24-hour helpline (8-1-1) for health information and services, including substance use support.
- Provides access to nurses, dietitians, and other health professionals for non-emergency health matters.
- BC Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service:
- Available toll-free at 1-800-663-1441 or 1-604-660-9382 for the lower mainland.
- Provides information and referrals to various substance use services across the province.
First Nations Health Authority
- First Nations Treatment Centres:
- Includes several residential treatment centres funded through the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP).
- Services include family treatment, couples counselling, and support for clients on opioid agonist therapy (OAT) or psychoactive medications.
Online Directories and Support
- Here to Help:
- A collaborative project by seven agencies providing mental health and substance use information, resources, and personal stories.
- Offers self-help resources and information about getting help now.
- Counselling BC:
- A directory of accredited therapists and counsellors specializing in substance use and addiction.
- Provides a search tool to find professionals based on specific needs and locations.
- Recovery.com:
- Lists and compares top addiction and mental health rehab centres in British Columbia.
- Provides information on various treatment options, including luxury, inpatient, detox, and outpatient services.
Crisis and Immediate Support
- Vancouver Coastal Health:
- Offers outpatient individual and group counselling for people with substance use and/or mental health issues.
- Provides culturally safe, trauma-informed care with a focus on harm reduction.
- BC Crisis Line:
- Available at 604-310-6789 for immediate support in crisis situations.
- Other crisis lines include the Suicide Hotline (1-800-784-2433) and Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868).
Naloxone Kits: How to Access Them
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. In British Columbia, there are several ways to access naloxone kits, often at no cost. Here is detailed information on how to obtain these kits:
Take Home Naloxone (THN) Program
Eligibility
- Individuals at risk of an opioid overdose.
- Individuals likely to witness and respond to an overdose, such as family or friends of someone at risk.
How to Get a Kit
- Community Pharmacies: Naloxone kits are available at many community pharmacies across BC, including London Drugs, Save-on-Foods, and various independent pharmacies. Pharmacists provide these kits free of charge and offer training on how to use them.
- Harm Reduction Sites: Use the Toward the Heart site finder to locate a distribution site near you. These sites provide naloxone kits and training at no cost.
- Health Authorities: Contact your local health authority or visit their websites for information on where to get naloxone kits and training in your area.
Training
- Training on how to use naloxone is provided at the time of kit distribution. This includes recognizing the signs of an overdose and administering the medication.
- Online training resources and apps are also available, such as the Naloxone Training App by St. Paul’s Hospital and Toward the Heart.
Facility Overdose Response Box (FORB) Program
Eligibility
- Non-profit organizations working with clients at risk of overdose.
How to Get a Kit
- Approved sites receive Overdose Response Boxes at no cost, which include naloxone and other overdose response supplies. More information can be found on the Toward the Heart website.
Public Sector Employees
Government employees should contact their employer to access naloxone. Public sector agencies are not eligible for the THN or FORB programs but can purchase naloxone according to agency protocols.
First Nations Health Authority
First Nations clients can request both injectable and nasal naloxone directly from their pharmacy, free of charge, by providing their Status Number and Personal Health Number. No prescription is required.
Additional Resources
- HealthLink BC: Call 8-1-1 anytime for information on naloxone and to find a distribution site near you.
- Toward the Heart: Provides comprehensive resources, including a site finder, training materials, and information on how to become a naloxone distribution site.
By utilizing these resources, individuals and organizations in British Columbia can access naloxone kits and receive the necessary training to respond effectively to opioid overdoses.