While the number of overdose deaths across the province are lower compared to the previous year, the opioid crisis is still claiming an alarming number of lives.
Now, a new program working with the Central Interior Native Health Society on overdose prevention is introducing themselves to Prince George tomorrow (Oct. 14).
POUNDS, which stands for Preventing Overdose, UNDoing Stigma, will offer mobile monitored consumption services for people who use substances while providing a service similar to already existing overdose prevention sites.
The difference? They will meet individuals whether they are at home, outside, etc. to monitor for and also reverse any overdoses.
Other services the program will offer are take-home Naloxone training and distribution, fentanyl testing, and hazardous waste/sharps pickup.
This will be the first mobile overdose monitoring service of its kind in B.C. that is accessible to those who smoke substances and will be available outside of the hours of the local overdose prevention site.
An introductory open house and information session will run from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Fire Pit Cultural Drop-In Centre. Light refreshments will be provided.
Service providers, including those in mental health and addictions, social services, community development, and emergency services, are encouraged to attend to learn about the new service and how it can help the community.
The general public is also welcome to attend to learn how the program will benefit a community and to also provide input on services that will be provided.
POUNDS is an equal and collaborative partnership between those who use drugs and those who don't, that will work together to prevent overdose deaths while also reversing stigma associated with drug use, according to a press release.
"We value lived experience just as much as we value education and professional training," notes the release. "And we believe in a holistic approach to wellness and harm reduction."
The City of Prince George has been dealing with a spike in needles in the community, with August seeing an amount that could easily fill a five-gallon hazardous waste bucket.
