Drop in 2024 Nanaimo overdose deaths still ‘a fraction’ of overall trend upwards
Overdose deaths and emergency calls remain at the second-highest levels since 2014.
Overdose emergency
Overdoses from toxic street drugs was first declared a public health emergency in 2016. The Discourse has been reporting on its ongoing impact on people who use drugs in our communities.
Province ends take-home safer supply program as Cowichan sees uptick in overdose response calls
Overdose response calls are falling in the province, but Cowichan emergency responders reported a rise in patients who experienced an overdose
Sudden changes to safer supply program a ‘huge mistake,’ says Nanaimo patient
Patients must use prescribed safer supply drugs in front of medical professionals under new rules by province, but health experts say a regulated supply is still an urgent life-saving measure.
Nanaimo addictions doctor behind pop up overdose site resigns in protest
Dr. Jessica Wilder steps down from harm reduction leadership roles at Island Health and at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital after being put on administrative leave following participation in an unsanctioned overdose prevention site.
Letter: Overdose deaths are on us
Advocate Beverley Planes says the system has failed people who use drugs.
Patient overdose death at Nanaimo hospital ‘didn’t have to happen,’ doctor says
The night after an unsanctioned Overdose Prevention Site was barred from setting up on Nanaimo Regional General Hospital property, a patient died in an ER washroom.
Involuntary addictions treatment: Here’s what experts want you to know before you vote
Discourse Community Publishing reached out to mental health care experts to better understand how involuntary addictions treatment currently works.
Toxic drug crisis in Cowichan will only get better with collaboration, experts say
Better Together Cowichan event addresses empathy and collaboration as tools to combat toxic drug crisis.
Overdose Awareness Day brings community together to better understand the toxic drug crisis
Saving lives, understanding overdose and shedding stigma were the goals of the day.
Youth addiction services come to Vancouver Island
Orca Lelum Youth Wellness Centre is the first of its kind and will offer culturally relevant detox and treatment services.